Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan has criticized Bangladesh Football Federation for their decision not to send the women's team to AFC Olympics Qualifiers in Myanmar.
The BFF has been the target of widespread criticism after failing to send a team to represent the country at the 2024 AFC Women's Olympic Football Qualifying Tournament only six days before the start of the tournament, citing financial constraint.
BCB boss Nazmul, while speaking to the media in Mirpur, expressed his frustration, saying, “There is nothing more shameful (than failing to send the women's team).
“The most important issue is that, the women's team could not participate in the tournament, that too, for only Tk20 lakhs. I have not spoken to any of our players but I am sure they would not hesitate to bear the expenses. If the BFF had simply asked for the amount, anyone would have come forward to provide the money – they (BFF) only needed to ask,” said Nazmul.
“It is surprising that none of the directors could bear the expenses even when the amount required may only be of their day-to-day expenditure,” he added while briefing a press conference following Bangladesh's seven-wicket win in the only Test against Ireland Friday.
According to the BCB chief, there could be some other issue that might have denied the women's team the chance to represent Bangladesh at the prestigious tournament.
“There could be something else, I do not know but it is sad. Nothing could be more shameful for the country, especially when we are known in the global stage for our socio-economic progress, and that too for money. I do not wish to talk any more regarding this,” said Nazmul.
Earlier, BFF cited multiple issues for the federation's failure to send a team to the AFC Women's Olympic qualifiers.
“Expenditure of air fare, accommodation, practice, food and transportation are supposed to be covered by the respective participating country but the BFF does not have the money,” BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag had said.
“We discussed this with the National Sports Council and Youth and Sports Ministry but have not received any positive feedback. Having no other option of acquiring fund, BFF has decided that the women's team will not take part in the Olympics qualifiers.”