A division without own daughters

Despite over a decade of promises, women's cricket in Bangladesh still lacks a true culture emerging from a vibrant domestic system that nurtures competitiveness and identity, as evident in the ongoing Women's National Cricket League (NCL) T20 2025–26.

The NCL differs from club or franchise cricket in that teams are formed by divisions, with most players drawn from their own regions. Yet, in the 14th edition, which began at BKSP on November 8 and runs until November 17, Sylhet Division's side included not a single player from Sylhet itself.

Icon players Sharmin Akhter Supta and Sanjida Akter represent Sylhet but come from Gaibandha and Jessore, respectively. The omission has frustrated local cricketers.

BCB sources confirmed that player selection follows board instructions -- with the binding commitment that selection must be done from the draft -- but local cricketer Pinky Akter argued that "such rules exist every year, yet 2–3 local players are usually picked." She also alleged that cricketers who were made captains had "picked others who they had friendships with."

Sylhet coach Mohammad Al Wadud Sweet explained that only one Sylhet player, Kulsuma, was in the BCB draft and was picked by Chittagong before Sylhet could act. "Since the auction system began, even replacements must come from the draft," he said.

An official admitted that "names from the divisions weren't sent up this time," though the reason was unclear. National selector Sazzad Ahmed said the draft was based on performances in Premier League and First Division cricket, adding that divisions like Sylhet, Chattogram and Barisal have "fewer players."

Records show at least three Sylhet players -- Pinky, Jui Talukdar, and Kulsuma -- played or were registered in recent Premier League seasons. Sazzad said he was "not sure why their names weren't pushed" but that he simply compiles lists based on submissions.

Officials from other divisions reportedly lobbied for their own players, while "no one from Sylhet took initiative," one Sylheti player said. Sylhet Division Men's team manager Ali Wasiquzzaman linked the issue to the outcome of transition following a change of government and officials, leaving the division "without proper oversight." Players from Sylhet have also alleged that others represent their divisions despite comparable Premier League performances.

Wasiquzzaman, who previously coached the Sylhet women's team, said the local structure collapsed after 2015. "We had around 65 players once, but the programme stopped, and gradually they drifted away," he said, adding that few now play top-tier cricket.

BCB director and Bangladesh Tigers Standing Committee chairman Rahat Shams, himself from Sylhet, admitted he "missed the train this time" as the team was already formed from Dhaka through the draft before he assumed his new role. He acknowledged that "the stock in the pipeline isn't big" and said the priority now is to rebuild it.

"The goal is to create a pool of 15–20 players [from Sylhet]," he said, adding that a female manager, Selina Akhter Chowdhury, has been appointed to oversee the team, while coaching and development programmes are being planned for the region.

With few local leagues and limited opportunities, Sylhet reflects the absence of a cricketing ecosystem that rewards continuity and representation. Although expanding women's cricket nationwide is often discussed at board meetings, the reality is that it remains trapped in a cycle of promise and neglect.

In the meantime, the Sylheti girls wait in limbo, each missed season chipping away at their experience and confidence. For many, the future remains uncertain, and no one seems there to witness their disappointment or bear the weight of their dreams deferred.