BCB mulling women selectors for National Women's Team

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided in principle to appoint women selectors in the National Women's Team setup for the first time.

The decision was taken in the 19th Board of Directors meeting held on Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in the city's Mirpur area.

Currently, Sazzad Ahmed serves as the lone selector for the women's team. "We have taken a decision to include women selectors for the national women's team soon," BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said.

He added that they are also looking to expand the national selection panel by including another selector.

Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu and Abdur Razzak are the only two members of the national men's team selection panel.

"We are also looking to add another selector in the national selection panel. It's difficult for two selectors to cover everything," Aminul added.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh A team is set to participate in the Top End T20 series, slated to run from August 14 to 24 in Darwin, Australia.

The Northern Territory Cricket confirmed the news today, further announcing that Nepal national team and Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan A) will also join the tournament.

Pakistan Shaheens and High Performance XI, Bangladesh played in the last season of the series as the Bangladesh side finished runners-up after falling short against Adelaide Strikers Academy in the final. Bangladesh, however, this time will be represented by the 'A' side. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said the tournament will help them unearth the future stars.

"We're pleased to be returning to Darwin for the 2025 Top End T20 Series, which has quickly become an important fixture in our calendar," Chowdhury said.

"Playing in Australian conditions against quality opposition offers valuable experience for our emerging players and supports our broader development objectives." In 2024 the Bangladesh Squad included 22-year-old T20 internationals Ripon Mondol and Rakibul Hasan, as well as 23-year-old wicketkeeper batsmen Parvez Hossain Emon who recently smashed a 53-ball hundred in a T20I against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "Our continued partnership with Northern Territory Cricket reflects a shared commitment to building strong international ties through the game," Chowdhury added.

Bangladesh will start the tournament by taking on Pakistan Shaheens on August 14 at the TIO Stadium in Darwin, with the stand-alone marquee match-up scheduled as part of local 'Pakistan Independence Day' celebrations, the Northern Territory Cricket informed.

 "We're particularly looking forward to the opening night clash on August 14 and the opportunity to showcase the talent coming through Bangladesh cricket," the BCB CEO said.

The 2025 edition will feature 11 teams, including three international sides.

 Gavin Dovey, CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, welcomed the teams and highlighted the tournament's growing global appeal.
"We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game," Dovey said.

"Pakistan (255 million) and Bangladesh (170 million) are two of the top ten most populous countries in the world, and with the addition of Nepal (30 million), the Top End T20 Series offers a serious platform in which to showcase this incredible part of the country," he stated.