The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has introduced a “captains’ card” initiative to honour former national team leaders, in a move that reflects a broader shift in governance and player welfare since the formation of its ad-hoc committee.
The cards were distributed at a ceremony in Dhaka by ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal, bringing together several figures from Bangladesh’s cricketing leadership across generations. The initiative is designed to formally recognise the contributions of former captains while also addressing long-standing concerns about access and treatment at cricket venues after retirement.
“I am sure all the captains present here have felt a sense of insecurity at some point about whether they would be recognised, stopped, or disrespected if they went to the ground,” Tamim said. “This has happened to me as well. The card is meant to remove that hesitation.”
Under the scheme, former captains will receive access to medical services from the BCB’s medical department, similar to those available to current national players. In addition, the board has committed to providing health insurance and financial assistance for overseas medical treatment if required, underlining a growing emphasis on long-term player welfare.
While the captains’ card programme covers leaders from both the men’s and women’s teams, representation from women’s cricket at the ceremony was limited. Of the six women who have captained Bangladesh internationally, only Rumana Ahmed was present.
Bangladesh’s women’s team has been led by a small but influential group over the years. Tajkia Akter, who led the team in in the inaugural Asian Cricket Council’s women’s tournament in July 2007. Salma Khatun, who captained the side from 2011 to 2015, played a pivotal role in establishing the team during its formative years.
Khatun was followed by Jahanara Alam in 2016, before Rumana Ahmed took over from 2017 to 2019 during a transitional phase. In 2021, Fahima Khatun led the side, while current skipper Nigar Sultana has since guided the team into a more competitive era with regular appearances in global tournaments.
The ceremony saw several notable absentees, though officials confirmed that all former captains had been invited. The board has retained the cards for those unable to attend, ensuring they can receive the recognition at a later stage.
The introduction of the captains’ card marks a step towards institutionalising recognition for Bangladesh’s cricketing leaders, while also strengthening welfare mechanisms. At the same time, it reflects a period of transition within the BCB, where reforms including those benefiting women’s cricket are beginning to reshape the structure of the game in the country.
The initiative is part of a series of changes introduced since the ad-hoc committee assumed charge. Among them has been a restructuring of the salary framework for women’s domestic cricketers, aimed at improving financial stability and professional conditions within the women’s game. The move signals a more inclusive approach, with increased focus on supporting women cricketers both during and after their playing careers.
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