Female cricketers also need to engage in the correct actions

Recently, print media headlines have been highlighting themes of defeat and struggle within women's cricket, with phrases like 'Defeat is the last word,' 'Women's team can't break free from the cycle of defeat,' Where is the end of pathetic surrender on the field', and 'Another whitewash.' While these headlines are disheartening to read, they reflect the current reality. Instead of dwelling on these negatives, we must accept the situation and focus on necessary actions to improve women's cricket.

The women's cricket team is facing challenging times on the international stage. Their performance falls short of the expected role and 'character' in the dynamic world of cricket. Individual performance in bowling and batting does not carry much importance in the team and overall game. Mental strength, clarity, and resilience are crucial; without them, natural gameplay becomes elusive.

Cricket has been a transformative force in our sporting landscape, injecting fresh energy into Bengali culture in recent years. Its impact has extended globally, shaping the international sports arena as we recognize it today. While we have successfully drawn inspiration from our rivals in the past, the present women's cricket team struggles to uphold that legacy.

The women's team faced consecutive defeats against Australia and India, conceding the field to their opponents. Australia has long been a dominant force in women's cricket, mirroring their men's team's relentless pursuit of victory. The Indian team, too, displayed a balanced and formidable presence on the field. These matches were part of the ICC's Future Tour programme, leading up to the T20 Women's World Cup scheduled for October in Bangladesh, with matches set for Sylhet and Dhaka. Australia and India's women's teams gained valuable experience and acclimatization to the conditions through the series played against Bangladesh's women's team.

The management of the Bangladesh women's cricket team and the women's cricket management committee are acutely aware of our standing in international women's cricket. The question now is: what steps do we take next? Two consecutive series losses have served as a wake-up call for those responsible for the development of women's cricket. The women's head coach, coaching staff, and team management must not continue without a thorough understanding of the situation. Women's cricket must progress in the right direction to address these challenges. Everyone involved in women's cricket must take accountability and responsibility. Coaches, coaching staff, and stakeholders must reevaluate their approach and commitment to the game they often speak highly of.

Cricketers' performance hinges on their ability to leverage their experience. The critical questions now revolve around how much they can refine and enhance their skills and techniques.

We are in the process of learning cricket, where one day the bowlers excel, and another day it's the batters. Women's cricket operations and team management are well aware of what needs to be addressed in response to these fluctuations: the persistent challenges of fitness and fielding that need to be overcome. Women's cricket is facing a challenging phase, albeit an unpopular truth. The process lacks vitality, evident in the stagnant formation of the squad with unfilled positions. The absence of new players entering the scene reflects a lack of initiative. Unlike women's football, where new talents regularly emerge, cricket struggles to see similar growth. The Bangladesh women's team must actively engage in cricket, but the absence of players outside the national team hinders progress. The few newcomers require time to adapt, highlighting a notable lack of initiative in nurturing talent in this domain.

Women's cricket is intricately tied to the socio-political and economic fabric, unlike football where female players often challenge societal norms. Innovative thinking is essential for progress in cricket. The achievements of women cricketers, including winning the 2018 Asia Cup, securing a silver medal in the Asian Games, and clinching gold in the South Asian Games, attest to their prowess. Bangladesh's hosting of the Women's T20 World Cup again in October 2024 reflects the nation's commitment to advancing women's cricket since 2014.

Bangladesh doesn't anticipate clinching the championship or runner-up position on home ground in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Their goal is to secure victories in one or two matches. However, hosting the Women's World Cup holds significant symbolic value, igniting motivation and enthusiasm within the country's women's cricket scene. The success of women footballers internationally showcases the nation's potential, setting expectations for consistent performances from women cricketers in the future.

The women's team has demonstrated their capabilities by winning matches against South Africa, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, as well as claiming victory in the Women's T20 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Previous encounters against Australia and India in the Asia Cup provide valuable experience leading up to the T20 World Cup at home. Experience and continual improvement are irreplaceable assets in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. Initiatives like Women BPL contribute positively, emphasizing the importance of a proactive mindset and clear goal-setting for progress.

In the lead-up to the World Cup, there will be a two to three-month window for preparation. During this critical period, foreign coaches and support staff must focus on enhancing the players' skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. Rather than lamenting disappointing performances, it's crucial to take constructive actions and elevate the girls' abilities. Training on T20 gameplay should be ingrained in their minds, alongside efforts to empower the players. Managing expectations and handling pressure are essential aspects of cricket, and team management plays a pivotal role in this regard. Equally important is the continuous addition of talented players to the talent pipeline to ensure a strong and sustainable team.

Author: Columnist and analyst. Former Senior Vice President AIPS Asia, Life Member Bangladesh Sports Press Association. Panel Writer Football Asia.