Making great strides for Bangladeshi women, the steady and solemn Salma Khatun is a national treasure.
Captain of the Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket team, she is also the top all-rounder in the ICC T20 rankings.
Hailing from a village in Khulna, the 24-year-old is a bold refutation of the stereotype people have of women from rural Bangladesh – not only because of her world-class performance on the field, but also because of her broad-minded perspective on life, leadership and gender politics.
The Dhaka Tribune sat down with Salma at the women’s league camp at Mirpur Stadium on Thursday afternoon, just after Bangladesh’s exciting win against Scotland in the current ICC Cricket World Cup.
How did you end up with a career in cricket?
It started in childhood. I always loved cricket, and I never missed a chance to play cricket with my uncles, cousins and neighbours in my village.
Becoming a cricket player was not my purpose though. It was my passion to play.
I pursued my passion even after my father’s death, when my schooling was stopped. I took an entry test for a league in Khulna. Getting selected and continuing to play professionally got me the opportunity to put my name down for the national team.
Is it hard for a woman to be a player here?
It’s not about gender.
I come from a village, where there was no separate playing arrangements for women. I played with the boys, and no one viewed that negatively. When I played well, the team in my village needed me.
Sometimes a path is made difficult for women due to society’s idea of a woman’s role. But they saw me perform and did not judge me by my gender. Nor did I face obstacles during my journey to becoming a player.
That is why I am here on the national team, and can see the world, wearing Bangladesh’s jersey.
Who is your inspiration?
My friend and my constant companion: My mother. Even being from the village, she never held me back from going out and playing and mingling with other players – who were mostly men.
My biggest achievement is that I could make my mother proud. There is nothing I want more than to see her smile.
How do you feel about being a leader?
It is not leadership that I constantly strive for. My greatest efforts are about becoming a good human being.
I believe love begets love. I trust my team and they trust me back. Communication is very important. I try not to hurt people – and my team members have been so loving that I could keep that promise easily.
Before being the leader of the team, I am very much a member of the team, with numerous responsibilities on her shoulders. I try not get carried away and focus on performing my task well.
What’s your advice to a woman wanting to pursue her dream career?
Whatever goal you have, focus on that, and put aside all the social drawbacks or conventions or stigma. Do not waste time thinking about society’s approval and acceptance of what you do. Concentration and hard work, accompanied by honesty, is the mantra for success.