Dhaka, Sep 13: Bangladesh Cricket Board has distanced itself from captain Nigar Sultana’s decision to skip the traditional handshake with India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur at the toss of the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final, saying the gesture was her personal decision and not a directive from the board.
The incident took place before Bangladesh’s 40-run defeat to India in the semi-final, with Nigar declining to shake hands with Harmanpreet during the pre-match proceedings. The move drew attention against the backdrop of recent tensions surrounding handshakes in India-Pakistan cricket.
Rafiqul Islam Babu, chairman of the BCB women’s committee, made it clear that the board had not sanctioned Nigar’s decision and maintained that Bangladesh remained committed to cordial relations with other cricketing nations.
“Of course, it was her own decision (not to shake hands with Harmanpreet),” Babu said.
“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,” he added.
The BCB’s clarification effectively ruled out any suggestion that Bangladesh had adopted an official no-handshake policy.
The controversy has also brought renewed scrutiny on Nigar’s leadership, with Babu confirming that her captaincy will be assessed after the Asian Games. He also revealed that complaints had been lodged against the Bangladesh captain over alleged misconduct.
“First, we will see how the team performs at the Asian Games, then decide what needs to be done,” Babu said.
Bangladesh’s performance will therefore be a key factor in determining Nigar’s future, with the board indicating that the decision will also take into account the complaints against her.
On the team’s struggles against stronger opponents, Babu acknowledged that Bangladesh still had several shortcomings despite signs of progress.
“There are many shortcomings in the team. We have not been able to beat the bigger teams. We played well in the World Cup too but lost because of small mistakes,” he said.
Bangladesh were unable to challenge India in the semi-final, being bowled out while chasing 150 as India secured a 40-run victory and booked their place in the final.
“We are working to make the team stronger and more competitive. After the Asian Games we will decide what can be done,” Babu said.
