‘Every possibility of bigger humiliations in the upcoming WC’ - Mentor Nazmul Abedeen Fahim after Bangladesh’s embarrassing defeat to India

Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka but defeated Thailand and Malaysia to qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. They picked up convincing victories over Thailand and Malaysia but against stronger opponents, the Nigar Sultana-led side struggled as per mentor Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, the trend may continue in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

They played India in the semi-finals, which the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side won by 10 wickets. Bangladesh were restricted to just 80 runs, which is embarrassing, given the nature of the contest. In a high-voltage semi-final of a marquee tournament, the Tigresses were expected to perform better but that did not happen.

Interestingly, Fahim expects the criticism to continue as he does not expect anything different in the T20 World Cup. He noted that previously the women’s team was capable of contesting against the likes of India and Pakistan but they have regressed and are now equal to the level of UAE and Thailand. He was extremely disappointed following the defeat in the semis and believes that the players will not be able to handle the criticism that will come during the home World Cup.

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“There is every possibility of bigger humiliations in the upcoming World Cup. It wouldn't be surprising if we didn't do well. There will be more criticism and I don't think they (players) would be able to handle that. I think it would be even more difficult for them,” Fahim told The Daily Star.

“There was a time when we gave tough fight to India while Pakistan and Sri Lanka were similar to us. But now the latter teams have reached a new level while we are going backwards and becoming like Thailand and the UAE,” he added.

Fahim also criticised the domestic structure and stated that no good player for international cricket can emerge from it. He also believes that there’s no competition and the management failed to maintain continuity. 

“The quality of our domestic cricket is so poor that we can't actually think of getting players for international level from there. Our domestic cricket is little better than Thailand and the UAE and because of that, we feel comfortable playing against them.

“I think we lack a competitive culture in our cricket. We should have been in the place behind India but above Pakistan, Sri Lanka. But we failed to maintain the continuity. I think it's not clear to many for what objectives and purpose we play cricket,” Fahim added.