The 23-member squad of the Bangladesh women’s football team for the upcoming tri-nation series in Jordan was announced Sunday, excluding the most experienced player, Sabina Khatun.
Masura Parvin, Sanjida Akter, and Krishna Rani Sarkar are among other senior players, along with Matsushima Sumaya, who have also been omitted from the touring squad.
Eighteen-year old defender Afeida Khandaker has been named captain in the absence of Sabina, who led the national women’s team for more than a decade.
Earlier this year, a total of 18 footballers, including Sabina, protested against head coach Peter Butler and boycotted the training camp under the Englishman.
They later ended the boycott.
Butler has selected players like Monika Chakma, Rituporna Chakma, Maria Manda, and Rupna Chakma from the group that previously rebelled, for the upcoming tri-series featuring hosts Jordan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
So why has Sabina been excluded from the squad?
"I think Sabina has run her race, if I'm being honest with you. Being completely practical, I think her time has come to an end. I think you've got to move on," said Butler at a press conference at BFF House Sunday, regarding the omission of Sabina.
"I think Sabina's time is coming to a close. I've not had a conversation with her. If she had been willing to maybe come along and use her experience in a mentoring capacity towards the girls and maybe come off the bench as an impact player..." added the English coach in response to a query.
Butler also referred to a “reference criteria” based on which he selected the squad.
"I don't just pick a team. We have a reference criteria. I have a reference criteria. So it's like points of reference - criteria for national team selection. And there are many, many points," said Butler.
He continued, "Basically, current form, minutes played, club involvement at the national level over the last six months - okay? We take that into consideration."
"And more importantly, humility, discipline, respect," said the coach.
When asked about Sabina, captain Afeida replied, "Sabina is a legendary player. It's the coach’s decision. InshaAllah, something good will happen."
Butler’s side will begin their tri-nation friendly tournament against Indonesia on May 31 before facing hosts Jordan on June 3, both matches to be held at King Abdullah Stadium in Amman.
The team are scheduled to leave for Jordan Monday morning.
Bangladesh Squad: Rupna Chakma, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Rituporna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar Jr, Mosammat Sagorika, Afeida Khandaker (capt), Shaheda Akter Ripa, Munki Akhter, Sapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Mosammat Sultana, Meghla Rani Roy, Joynob Bibi Rita, Mosammat Halima Akter, Nabiran Khatun, Fardosi Akter Shonali, Umehla Marma, Shanti Mardi.