Showing disrespect towards female umpire is regrettable

In the realm of sports, particularly in Bangladesh, women are significantly lagging behind in terms of justice, equality, and human dignity. The arena of sports is currently facing a moral crisis. Gender disparity is escalating, and the imbalance between men and women is increasing. However, the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, placed the utmost emphasis on justice-based Bangladesh and justice-based sports arena right after the achievement of independence in 1972. He envisioned a sports culture devoid of discrimination, where there would be no distinction between men and women.

Under Bangabandhu's leadership, we achieved liberation through the Liberation War. We gained our own state in 1971. Prior to that, we had no identity with the larger organization called the state. Independence provided us with the opportunity to make decisions independently, whether right or wrong. The Bengalis, after '71, got the opportunity to organize themselves like other bodies. They acquired the power to determine the fate of the nation in sports just like in other aspects. The era of Bengali organization in sports began.

Unfortunately, even after 53 years of independence, weaknesses in various aspects such as governance, awareness, wisdom, and lack of foresight continue to hinder the proper functioning of the sports arena, obstructing the realization of the nation's dreams. There are also some human challenges in certain areas.

There are some individuals among the organizers who always want to remain in the shadow of the powerful team. Because that's where they can gain privileges and illegitimate advantages. It is for them that controversies arise in sports. Instability is noticeable in the sports arena. This type of organizers sees sports as a lucrative profession. They view sports from their own perspective.

However, Bangabandhu always stood against the dominance of group politics, inferiority, and opposition to the noble in sports. He advocated for a healthy lifestyle and generosity in sports. He always insisted that sports be managed democratically through elected organizations responsible for good governance and accountability. Where there will be democracy, responsibility, and accountability. Sports will be governed by the spirit of the Liberation War.

Cricket is not just a game in Bangladesh. It's a way of life. It's a dignified conduct. It's a version of life's sports. Bangladeshi cricket literary figure Badrul Huda Chowdhury wrote about such matters in his book "Tobu Cricket Bhalobashi (I Still Love Cricket)" in 1966.

In cricket, the worst term is "this is not cricket". Cricket should not have any vulgarity. There should be no gender disparity between men and women. Lack of discipline, indecent behavior, or lack of sophistication have no place in cricket. Cricket should not be a platform for propaganda; there is no comparison between cricket and any other consciousness. Cricket must be true to its principles. Without courtesy or decency, this game will cease to exist. Cricket evaluates people. It bestows honor and dignity. Cricket is not a place for complexity or cunning; the essence of cricket is humility and dignified behavior. Cricket means comfort and joy.

In the history of independent Bangladesh, cricket, there is a memorable day when cricket enthusiasts are compelled to witness not only unprofessional behavior but also disrespectful behavior towards female umpires. This is the most disgraceful day in the country's cricket. The controversy delayed the start of the game. This news has gained international attention.

At Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur on April 25, Moniruzzaman was the field umpire alongside Sathira Zakir Jessy. Officials and players forgot that Jessy is a qualified ICC panel umpire. She has earned this honour and responsibility with her qualifications. It is very regrettable disrespect towards a female umpire. Where the ICC has entrusted faith and trust in female umpires by appointing them to the panel, the conduct of both DPL teams is not at all dignified. However, both teams have participated in the game until the end. It should be remembered that ICC can easily take action against such misconduct. Perhaps time will show more about this issue. Let cricket be the victory of a healthy lifestyle. Let it be the victory of cricket consciousness.

Author: Columnist and analyst. Former Senior Vice President, AIPS Asia. Lifetime member, Bangladesh Sports Press Association. Panel writer, Football Asia.