||CF Correspondent||

Bangladesh Women’s Team operating manager Nazmul Abedin Fahim urged the sponsor to come forward for the betterment of the women’s cricket as the National Cricket League (NCL) for the eves begins on February 25. The league is considered to be the stepping stone of the formation of much-needed Women’s A team. But a sponsor is imperative to materialize the dream project.

A total of eight divisions will take part in the league with two venues of Cox’s Bazar hosting the matches. The women’s cricket over the years got its shape and performed well in patches but couldn’t get outright support from all stakeholders of the cricket like their men counterpart.

Bangladesh women’s last year won Asia Cup, beating mighty India twice in the tournament which expected a renaissance in their cricket but sadly it was not to be, vastly for the lack of interest from the sponsors.

“If we want to take women’s cricket in another level, investment is imperative. They need an increase in facilities and they need more competition. If we can’t form a national team, A team, high-performance team, age group for them like the men’s cricket, they can’t step ahead with the rhythm of the other countries and it is quite natural,” Nazmul Abedin Fahim said on Saturday.

“That’s why investment is important. BCB alone couldn’t afford that investment. We saw many companies stepping up to sponsor men’s cricket, I think it’s the high time for them to come forward for the betterment of the women’s cricket too. Because when this girl played well, Bangladesh’s name and fame itself was brightened and everyone is part of that success. To do well you need facilities, to play well you need facilities, you need training, so there is no alternative to a good sponsor to do these. I think it will be great if the sponsors come forward,” Fahim added.

There is a barrier but Fahim insisted that they would try to overcome that as much as they can as he looked forward to picking up new players from the NCL. “We have a desire to give them a good environment. We are trying to organize the league with the best players in the country. Hopefully, it will be a competitive tournament,” he expected.

“We have already some excited players. Through this tournament, some more players will be added in the pipeline. We have a plan to form a Women’s A team for the women, along with the national team. So we need some players. This league could be stepping stone to the formation of Women’s A team,” he added.