Next-Gen Women Cricketers

The burgeoning success of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team on the national stage has underscored the immense potential within the sport. However, as the spotlight shines on their achievements, a stark reality emerges at the grassroots level. In Dhaka, the capital city, there are only a few cricket academies dedicated to women, a stark contrast to the infrastructure available for their male counterparts.

One such academy, the Durgam Cricket Academy, situated at the Begun Bari ground in Pallabi, Dhaka, has come into focus. Founded by former women cricketer-turned-coach Reshma Akter Aduri and Billal Hossain, the academy operates with limited resources but offers free coaching to aspiring women cricketers from economically challenged backgrounds.

Ayesha Akter, a determined young cricketer from Shariatpur, highlights the challenges faced by female players who travel from different parts of the country to access better training facilities. Despite her nervousness during her first interview, Ayesha expressed her gratitude for supportive parents and her ambition to represent Bangladesh, inspired by players like Nigar Sultana Joty.

However, Coach Aduri sheds light on the prevailing inequality, emphasizing that many parents remain hesitant to allow their daughters to pursue a cricketing career. Despite the recent success of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, societal norms still dictate that girls should prioritize education and conventional careers over sports.

The Durgam Cricket Academy’s coaches, despite facing financial constraints themselves, exemplify a dedication to nurturing talent and breaking barriers. Stories of resilience abound, such as that of Mitu Khatun, who, despite financial hardships, pulls a rickshaw every morning to support her cricketing dreams.

While the success of the national women’s cricket team is a source of pride, the challenges at the grassroots level underscore the need for broader support and recognition for women in cricket. The coaches and players at academies like Durgam exemplify the determination and passion that continue to fuel the aspirations of young female cricketers, overcoming societal barriers and financial hurdles.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the Daily Star}