The ICC Cricket Committee has granted Test and ODI status to all Full Member women’s teams in their recent meeting, which means Bangladesh women’s team have attained the prestigious Test status.
The ICC Cricket Committee, led by former Indian captain Anil Kumble, considered various current issues in the international game, and presented its recommendations which were approved, confirmed a media release from ICC.
The media release stated as, "It was decided that Test and ODI status shall be permanently awarded to all Full Member women’s teams. Additionally, it was agreed that all matches at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games be classified as women’s T20 Internationals."
The news was met with jubilation all around in the Bangladesh cricket fraternity as ODI captain Rumana Ahmed and T20I skipper Salma Khatun were among the national women cricketers to have expressed their joy in getting the chance to wear the traditional Test whites.
"Alhamdulilah, it is a great news for us. Bangladesh women's team has attained fulfilment through gaining the Test status. It is a different feeling altogether to think of ourselves as Test cricketer. Want to take Bangladesh cricket further forward," said Rumana.
Salma said, "Alhamdulilah, we are all delighted after getting the Test status. This will help in taking women's cricket in Bangladesh a long way forward."
Salma Khatun's Bangladesh Blue team emerged as the unbeaten champions in the women's cricket event of the 9th...
Posted by Sports Tribune on Friday, 12 March 2021
Meanwhile the Women’s U-19 World Cup 2021, which was due to be held in Bangladesh, has been postponed due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus across the world.
“The Board agreed to postpone the inaugural Women’s U-19 World Cup which was due to be held in Bangladesh at the end of the year. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the establishment and subsequent development of the U-19 programs in many countries and teams would not be able prepare appropriately for a global event later this year. As such, the inaugural event will now take place in January, 2023,” said the press release.
Ten women's teams have played Test cricket so far - Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Ireland and Netherlands.
Ireland and Netherlands are the only Associate teams to play Test cricket.
Along with Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have also been granted Test status.