Ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, three Bangladeshi cricketers Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter and Rabeya Khan registered for the auction, a quiet but meaningful sign of Bangladesh women’s cricket pushing toward the franchise mainstream. Their registration reflected growing confidence and credibility, earned through consistent performances against top international sides and strong displays at global tournaments.
In light of the recent Kolkata Knight Riders situation in the IPL, which briefly drew attention to cross-border player participation in the IPL ecosystem, the absence of Bangladeshi players in the WPL stands out. There were no complications, withdrawals, or official barriers — yet once again, Bangladesh went unrepresented. Considering the form and versatility of their leading players, it feels less like an oversight of paperwork and more like an opportunity the league is still waiting to embrace. Here are top 5 Bangladeshi players, who deserved to be a part of WPL 2026:
1. Marufa Akter
Marufa has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most reliable pace options. As a right-arm medium-fast bowler, she has already played 32 ODIs and 30 T20Is, taking 26 and 20 wickets respectively for her country. Her knack for early breakthroughs was evident in the recent World Cup, where against England, she claimed 2/28, important top-order scalps, unsettling established batters and proving her ability to rise to high-pressure occasions. She also impressed against Pakistan with returns of 2/31.
What makes Marufa stand out for WPL consideration is her consistent control over pace and movement, something rare in women’s cricket. At just 21, she has already shown the maturity to bowl upfront and in middle overs, keeping the score in check with balls that skid on and swing late. While her batting contributions remain modest, it’s her bowling, especially in powerplay overs, that could be a strategic asset for any franchise looking for variety and wicket-taking options early in the innings.
2. Shorna Akter
Shorna represents the exciting new generation of Bangladeshi cricketers: powerful, fearless, and capable of changing games with both bat and ball. Her bowling has been particularly impactful; in a standout performance against Pakistan at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, she tore through the opposition with 3 wickets for just 5 runs, bowling three maidens and completely halting the chase.
With the bat, Shorna brings a fearless middle-order presence, known for clearing boundaries and accelerating at key moments. During an earlier Women’s World Cup fixture, she nearly carried Bangladesh’s chase with a brisk 51* off 35 balls, punctuated by three sixes. Shorna’s blend of hard hitting and bowling resilience makes her a perfect fit for T20 leagues like the WPL, where power and adaptability are currency.
3. Rabeya Khan
Rabeya Khan might not yet have the flashiest stats, but her performances in crucial scenarios underscore her value as a player who bowls economically and bats with intent when the team needs it most. In World Cup contexts, she climbed the international bowling rankings, showing steady improvement and all-round capability.
Her richest recent display came in a thrilling World Cup clash against England, where Bangladesh posted 178. Rabeya smashed 43* off 27 deliveries at a strike rate of 159.25, lifting the tail and adding late impetus to the total. That kind of power-hitting late in an innings is invaluable in franchise T20 leagues. Although she’s often batting lower down, that 43 runs blitz showed she has the temperament to flourish with the bat when unleashed, while her bowling continues to offer tidy, dependable overs.
4. Nigar Sultana Joty
Nigar Sultana Joty isn’t just one of Bangladesh’s most seasoned players, she’s a record-setting run-getter and captain who brings calm leadership alongside performance. Across her career, she has amassed over 2,000 T20I runs at an average around 27, including one century and eight fifties, and surpassed 1,400 ODI runs with five half-centuries to her name.These numbers place her among her nation’s most consistent performers.
What differentiates Nigar for a league like WPL is not only her runs but her role as wicketkeeper, batter and strategist. She has the ability to anchor innings, accumulate when needed, and accelerate through the middle overs, a balance that franchises highly value. Her wicketkeeping and captaincy further add dimensions that go beyond mere batting averages. Nigar’s presence brings stability to any batting lineup, and the kind of experience teams pay a premium for.
5. Sobhana Mostary
Sobhana Mostary exemplifies the type of player whose contributions often decide close contests. With 586 T20I runs, she has been a steady middle-order contributor for Bangladesh. Her performances in recent tournaments have included important knocks — notably a maiden half-century 60 off 108 in the World Cup against England, anchoring the innings in testing conditions against a world-class bowling attack.
She also made history by scoring the first Bangladeshi half-century against powerhouse Australia in a World Cup match, finishing unbeaten on 66 runs, a testament to her ability to thrive under pressure. While some of her averages might not leap off the page, Mostary’s composure, consistency, and adaptability are exactly what franchises look for in the middle order, the unsung backbone that keeps innings together and enables late-order fireworks.
The continued absence of Bangladeshi players in the WPL does not diminish the league’s stature, but it does highlight a gap between opportunity and emerging talent. As the profiles of these players show, Bangladesh women’s cricket now produces players with the skill, temperament and match impact suited to elite franchise competition. As the WPL continues to evolve, broadening its talent base will only strengthen the competition. Including players from growing cricketing nations like Bangladesh would not just reward merit but also reflect the league’s role as a true global platform for women’s cricket.
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