Bangladesh have excluded veteran all-rounder Rumana Ahmed from their squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a 15-player squad on Wednesday, which includes uncapped players Taj Nehar and Disha Biswas.
In addition to Rumana, Rubey Haider, Sharifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar, and Ishma Tanjim—who were part of the 2024 Asia Cup squad—are also missing out.
The World Cup begins on October 3.
These five players had limited opportunities during the Asia Cup, with Rabeya and Sharifa each playing one match and scoring 0 and 5 runs, respectively.
Sabikun played two games, while Ishma and Rumana participated in four and three matches, respectively.
The selectors have opted to bring back Shathi Rani, Fahima Khatun, and Sobhana Mostary.
Shathi has not featured in an international match since September of the previous year, while Fahima and Mostary last played for Bangladesh in the series against India in May.
Bangladesh, who did not reach the final in this year’s Asia Cup, will kick off their World Cup campaign against Scotland in Sharjah on October 3.
They will also face England, West Indies, and South Africa on October 5, 10, and 12, respectively.
The initial three matches will be played in Sharjah, with their final group-stage match taking place in Dubai.
Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Nigar Sultana |
| Nahida Akter |
| Murshida Khatun |
| Shorna Akter |
| Ritu Moni |
| Sobhana Mostary |
| Rabeya Khan |
| Sultana Khatun |
| Fahima Khatun |
| Marufa Akter |
| Jahanara Alam |
| Dilara Akter |
| Taj Nehar |
| Shathi Rani |
| Disha Biswas |
The way Rumana bats does not align with the requirements of T20 cricket,” BCB women’s wing chief selector Sazzad Ahmed told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.
Sazzad mentioned that they have proposed a farewell game to both Rumana and Salma Khatun, which the board is prepared to arrange.
“We have offered them the option of playing a farewell game, and they can also take on various roles within the board,” Sazzad added.
However, it is understood that neither player has accepted this offer.
Additionally, the selection of Sobhana Mostary has sparked some surprise, as she has yet to make a significant impact in international cricket.
In 38 T20Is, she has amassed only 338 runs at an average of 11.65.
“Sobhana Mostary is one of the most talented players we’ve seen in recent years,” Sazzad said.
“It’s true that we’ve given her numerous opportunities, but she has immense potential.
Although her performances haven’t met our expectations, we lack other options at number three.
We tried Ishma Tanjim in the Asia Cup, but she did not perform well there or in the NCL.
Thus, we opted for Sobhana Mostary.
Additionally, she can serve as a floater, as she is capable of opening the innings or batting down the order.
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