DHAKA, Nov 25, 2024 (BSS)- Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken several initiatives to improve the facilities and support for Women’s cricket with an aim to bring it closer to the Men’s cricket in all facets.

By doing those things step by step, the BCB would ensure women’s team an equal opportunity, something which has been a long-standing demand, said BCB head of Women’s Wing Habibul Bashar Sumon.

‘Women’s cricket has been in center of discussion for the past few years. They are performing well and if they can go in same vein, I think more sponsors will be inspired to come here,” Bashar, also a former Bangladesh skipper said.

“The Women’s cricket’s progress is remarkable. The BCB is now providing both men’s and women’s cricket with equal opportunities and facilities. I hope the board will continue it,” he said.

BCB had already introduced central contracts for women cricketers and thereby ensured their financial security and professional recognition.

The salary structure has been improved over the years, and match fees have also increased.

Like the Men’s team, the BCB also has sent the women’s team on more international tours, with an aim to help the players gain experience against stronger teams.

Bangladesh women's cricket team is set for a busy international schedule under the ICC Women’s FTP for 2025-29. In five years they will play 66 matches (33 ODIs and 36 T20 Internationals) and also set for maiden tours to Australia, England, New Zealand and India.

The Women’s team are currently preparing for three ODIs and as many T20s at home against Ireland.

The three ODIs which will kick off from Wednesday is the part of ICC Women’s ODI Super League, a league that ensures the team’s direct qualification to the Women’s World Cup.

The next World Cup will be held in India next year. Bangladesh need to win their rest of the six matches in a row to make a direct entry to the World Cup.

The mission is tough for Bangladesh and they are brimming with confidence. For the time being, their target is to win all three matches against Ireland, Bashar reiterated.
 
“We want to make a good start to our mission and hence winning all three matches against Ireland is imperative.  The players are oozing with confidence.

Everyone has the dream to play the World Cup and so they will come up with the best,” he said, adding that even a victory in five matches could put them in strong position.

“But it is good to take it match by match. So what is important is to win the first match. If we win the first match, it will give us the momentum and we are determined to carry it forward.”