The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) have come under scrutiny for reportedly neglecting the country’s women cricketers. The BCB has allegedly not organized any international series for the national women’s team since they qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup. On the other hand, CWAB has been criticized for holding meetings ahead of its election without any female cricketer representation, unlike the presence of current and former male national team cricketers.
Concerns have also been raised about the lack of adequate practice facilities provided by the BCB for the women’s team in preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The team has only had a few practice matches against the men’s U-15 side at the BKSP, leaving them without sufficient match practice. In terms of pay equality, female cricketers in Bangladesh receive significantly lower match fees compared to their male counterparts, unlike countries like India, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa where equal pay is offered to both genders.
Former Bangladesh team captain and all-rounder Rumana Ahmed highlighted the challenges faced by women cricketers, mentioning unequal treatment and limited domestic opportunities. Similar disparities exist in women’s football, where despite achieving greater success than male players, women receive fewer opportunities and lower pay.
Calls have been made for the BCB and CWAB to ensure gender equality in cricket by organizing regular domestic leagues and international matches for women’s teams. Equal pay for male and female cricketers is emphasized, along with the need for women players to have a voice in decision-making processes.