The Women’s Bangladesh Cricket League (WBCL), the first three-day competition for women in Bangladesh, will kick off on December 21 in Rajshahi. This tournament is a crucial step towards establishing a Test side for women, although the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to determine a timeline for this goal. The competition will involve four regionally grouped teams, with captains including Nigar Sultana and Fahima Khatun. Despite concerns over players’ familiarity with red-ball cricket, the BCB is committed to expanding the format beyond white-ball games.
By the Numbers
- The WBCL will feature four teams: North, South, East, and West.
- Only two red-ball games have been played by female cricketers in Bangladesh prior to this tournament.
Yes, But
Though the WBCL marks a significant advancement in women’s cricket in Bangladesh, concerns remain about players’ readiness for the red-ball format, as most domestic cricket has been focused on white-ball formats.
State of Play
- The tournament will consist of four matches in December, continuing in January.
- Captains for each regional team have been appointed to enhance leadership and competition.
What’s Next
Following the series of games in December and January, the BCB will assess the players’ performance and readiness as they prepare to apply for first-class status, aiming for a more structured red-ball cricket approach.
Bottom Line
The initiation of the WBCL is a pivotal move for women’s cricket in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance skills in red-ball formats and set the foundation for a future Test team.
