The Bangladesh Cricket Board has distanced itself from Nigar Sultana’s decision not to shake hands with India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur during the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final, while the Bangladesh Captain’s leadership position is also due to come under review after the Asian Games, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
The incident occurred around Bangladesh’s 40-run semi-final defeat to India in Dubai, where Sultana’s side was eliminated after failing to chase a target of 150. India subsequently defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final to secure a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
BCB distances itself from handshake decision
The handshake episode drew attention against the backdrop of Indian and Pakistani cricketers avoiding the customary gesture amid political tensions between the two countries. Sultana has not publicly addressed her decision involving Kaur.
Bangladesh Cricket Board Women’s Committee Chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu said, as quoted by Cricbuzz: “We believe sports bring the world together. We want friendly relations with all countries, not just India and so whatever she did was entirely her personal decision.”
The BCB’s position separates the board from Sultana’s action rather than presenting it as an institutional decision. Bangladesh had reached the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive edition, having previously won the competition in 2018.
Sultana’s captaincy set for post-Asian Games review
Separate from the handshake controversy, Sultana’s future as Bangladesh Captain is set to be assessed following the Asian Games. Complaints concerning her conduct have been lodged, while her performance has also formed part of discussions within the board.
Babu added: “We have discussed the thing (performance and complaint) in total with the board president and since they are in Asian Games we will assess the situation after the conclusion of the games.”
Bangladesh’s performance at the Asian Games will therefore precede the board’s assessment of what comes next. The BCB is also seeking improvement from a team it believes has struggled to overcome stronger opponents despite producing competitive cricket, with small mistakes having hurt its results at the World Cup.
The Asian Games will provide Bangladesh with its next opportunity to address those shortcomings before the BCB turns to decisions over the team’s future and Sultana’s position as captain.
