The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made a historic move by appointing former captain Salma Khatun as the first-ever woman selector in Bangladesh cricket. This marks a significant move for Bangladesh women’s cricket.
Salma Khatun has represented Bangladesh in 46 WODIs and 95 WT20Is. Salma captained Bangladesh during its early years in international cricket and played a key role in shaping the side’s competitive spirit. Salma was ICC’s No. 1 bowler in WT20Is in 2014 and 2015. She took 84 T20I wickets with her off-spin at an average of 18.57, with best figures of 4-6 against Srilanka.
Iftekhar Rahman, BCB’s media committee chairman, said. “This is the first time such an appointment has been made in Bangladesh”. He described the appointment as “revolutionary,” highlighting that Salma’s experience would add great value to the women’s selection process. She will now work alongside Sazzad Ahmed, who currently serves as the chief selector of the Bangladesh women’s national team.
Salma hasn’t officially announced her retirement. However, her last match was in 2023, and since then, she’s taken on a new role as a mentor. She has dedicated herself to guiding the younger players coming up in the sport. Due to her valuable experience, her involvement in team selection will enhance the selection process to shape the future of Bangladesh cricket in international cricket. Salma’s appointment comes at a crucial time, with the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 approaching. Having someone of Salma’s stature and insight on the selection panel is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s preparation and squad depth ahead of the global tournament.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also implemented some significant changes, including updating the men’s selection panel. They’ve brought on board former fast bowler Hasibul Hossain Shanto as a selector. Hasibul was a former fast bowler who appeared in five Tests and 32 ODIs. Hasibul had been a junior selector in the BCB since July 2016, having worked closely with the Bangladesh Under-19 side that lifted the World Cup in 2020.
Salma Khatun’s appointment is a significant milestone, not just for her but for women in cricket leadership throughout Bangladesh. Her transition from being a well-known player on the national team to the first female selector is sure to motivate a new wave of young female cricketers to pursue leadership roles beyond just playing. This change symbolises progress and serves as an inspiration for many who dream of making their mark in the sport.
