Nahida Akter‘s journey in Bangladesh women’s cricket is a story of dedication, guidance, and overcoming obstacles. She started as a shy 15-year-old under the legendary Salma Khatun, who is Bangladesh’s first woman captain and now their first female selector. Salma played an important role in shaping Nahida’s career. Nahida has since become Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker and vice-captain in all formats, taking on the responsibility of leading the spin attack.
Born in Kishoreganj and raised mainly in Dhaka, Nahida began her cricket journey when she joined the Bangladesh Institute of Sports Education (BKSP) in 2013. She was initially more interested in batting. However, her coaches recognized her potential as a bowler and worked hard to develop her bowling technique.
At BKSP, she progressed alongside established players like Sharmin Akhter and Fargana Hoque, steadily showcasing her skills with impressive wicket hauls in the very first match and 18 wickets in the season. This performance gave her the chance to play internationally but Nahida couldn’t attend because she had to sit for her board exams.
“At that point, I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever get another chance (to play),” she says. “To return to that level, I knew I’d have to perform again. That phase taught me the value of comebacks and the importance of mental strength. I realised that in sport, the only way back is through performance. I returned to BKSP, worked harder, performed better, and got called back to camp. This time, I was ready and in 2015, I finally earned my place in the Bangladesh national team.”
She credits the calm leadership of Salma Khatun and all-rounder Rumana Ahmed for teaching her mental resilience and strategic insight into the game. She mentioned “Cricket is a game where one good ball can change everything. You have six balls in an over, if a few don’t go well, there’s no point over-thinking. Focus on bowling that one good delivery. That’s something I learned from them.”
Nahida also looks up to male spinners like Shakib Al Hasan from Bangladesh and Rangana Herath from Sri Lanka for their bowling skills and mindset. Her jersey number 32 pays tribute to Glenn Maxwell, whose fielding inspires her energy on the field. She said taking 75 was one of her thoughts but it was Shaikh Al Hassan’s number so out of respect for the legend she didn’t.
Even though Salma played in only one ODI World Cup in 2022, Nahida is participating in her second World Cup at the age of 25. She brings valuable experience, especially from playing T20Is. Nahida approaches this World Cup with the mindset of making a significant impact as the team’s lead spinner, saying, “It’s a challenge, but not a burden.”
Throughout her career, Nahida has faced doubts from society and ridicule from her family for choosing cricket as a girl. However, her brother Nazim Ahmed’s unwavering support has strengthened her resolve and passion. Today, Nahida is a key figure in Bangladesh’s rise in women’s cricket, aiming for the team to gain recognition for their bowling strength.
This story of mentorship from Salma Khatun to Nahida Akter, along with their growth and strategic development, reflects the evolving status of Bangladesh women’s cricket on the world stage. It highlights both personal and collective progress in a sport historically dominated by men in the region, underscoring the transformative influence of role models, family support, and persistent perseverance.
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