Bogura’s local women cricketers hit hard by Covid-19
Since the halt of cricketing activities as a result of coronavirus pandemic, the hardships of male domestic cricketers were well documented, however the plight of female domestic players is really as bad, if not worse.
They used to pay for their yearly expenses through income from various domestic leagues, however the long hiatus has put them in monetaray hardship.
Bristy Das, 25, an area cricketer in Bogura, said, "This past year, I played the premier league for Keraniganj with a Tk 1.5 lakh contract but this season a myriad of cricket has stopped due to coronavirus. With that sum I possibly could bear all my yearly expenses, including cricketing equipment. I had even given money to my children from the income last year, but this year I must take money from my poor family," said Bristy Das.
"Although BCB gave me Tk 28,000 through the pandemic, but it had not been enough to continue practice for a year," she further said.
Like Bristy, Labony Akter, 24, another local player who played the premier league this past year for Khelaghor with a contract of Tk.1.65 lakh, said, "The premier league may be the only source of income for women cricketers not in the national team. This year we lost the income.
"We are in need of enough money to practise year-round. This year, I thought I would give money to my parents for the very first time however now I am taking money from my parents to keep my cricketing expenses. BCB gave us Tk 28,000 in two phases but it isn't enough for a year.
"The camp for the national team in addition has stopped. Through the national team camp, at least 30 cricketers like us can save Tk 20,000-30,000," Laboni added.
Most. Mim Khatun, 18, who played first division cricket last year for Mirpur boys, lives 35 kilometres from the Shaheed Chandu Stadium. She comes to practice at the venue every afternoon, that she needs Tk 150.
"Through the coronavirus [pandemic], my father's income decreased and sometimes he could not give me this Tk 150."
However, the story is bleaker for the players who came from other districts to understand cricket in Bogura.
Lima Akter, 22, found Bogura from Narsingdi's Monohardi upazila this past year to play cricket. Lima lives in chaos in Bogura's Sabujbag area. She needs Tk 3,000 per month for food and rent. Lima was in the U-19 team and in addition plays first division cricket for Gulshan boys.
"Bogura has many facilities for women cricketers, therefore i have lived here going back year. My dad is a bricks supplier. During this Covid-19 pandemic, his income has reduced a lot. This year, my parents wouldn't normally let me come to Bogura as a result of the financial meltdown, but I forced them to i want to come."
In 2019, Lima played premier league cricket for Gulshan Youth Club for Tk 25,000.
"My father gives me Tk 3,000 only. I can't buy nutritious food for myself right after paying for basic food and accommodation," she said.
Sharmin Akter,19, found Bogura from Natore's Naldanga upazila. Sharmin in addition has been living in chaos for the last two years so that she can keep honing her cricketing skills. She played first division cricket for Anowara SC in 2018 and is studying in a school in Natore, but staying in Bogura limited to the love of cricket.
"My mother dreams that 1 day I'll play cricket for the national team. My parents are poor plus they can give me only Tk 2,000 for my mess accommodation and food. Sometimes, I cannot buy good food or fruits for myself," she added.
According to Lima and Sharmin, there are in least eight girls who came to Bogura for cricket.
No district coach after Muslim Uddin passed on: The death of Muslim Uddin, the Bogura district coach who earned fame in the national and international arena for his generosity and dedication, on February 10 left male and female cricketers experiencing too little guidance.
Even a number of the women national team cricketers are missing him badly. Labony Akter said, "Muslim sir was our guardian, our friend, mentor and an excellent teacher. His unfortunate death is an enormous loss for women's cricket. When he was alive, we did not want for anything, including cricket equipment. Now, the junior children are practising on their own. Sometimes, seniors help them but it's not enough."
National player Sharmin Sultana said there are several things during practice that the players cannot know, but a coach can clarify those.
"So, practising under a coach is vital," said Sharmin.
However, sources said BCB is yet to appoint an area coach to succeed Muslim.
