Silent Joty gets ODI lifeline after T20I captaincy exit

Nigar Sultana Joty’s decision to step down as Bangladesh women’s T20I captain has effectively been confirmed, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has given her a lifeline by retaining her as ODI captain for the upcoming Australia series.

Following Bangladesh’s first medal-less Asian Games campaign in women’s cricket, the wicketkeeper batter sat for a meeting with BCB president Tamim Iqbal, Women’s Wing chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu, vice-chairman Shafiqul Islam Tuhin and chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury on Monday.

The right-hander previously had informed the BCB by email of her decision before the team travelled to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

However, she did so without first discussing the matter with the BCB Women’s Wing, leaving the board uncomfortable after the decision became public.

According to Babu, Tamim asked her why she had not spoken to the Women’s Wing chairman before informing the board and why she had put the BCB in an embarrassing position.

Joty, however, remained silent.

“Tamim asked Joty why she took such a decision without speaking to the Women’s Wing chairman, and why she put the BCB in an embarrassing situation. Joty did not answer the question. She remained silent,” Babu told Daily Sun.

The BCB will now have to find a new T20I captain, with Joty’s decision to relinquish the leadership in the shortest format standing. But rather than losing the leadership of the national team altogether, she will continue as ODI captain for now.

The 29-year-old will lead the Tigresses in their three-match ODI series against Australia in Brisbane on 9, 11 and 14 October.

“Joty has only informed the BCB about her decision to step down from T20I captaincy. She has not stepped down as ODI captain. Since Bangladesh will play three ODIs in Australia, Joty will lead the team in that series,” the Women’s wing Chair mentioned.

Her record and experience in 50-over cricket have also worked in her favour.

Joty has led Bangladesh in more ODIs than any other captain and has the most wins, with 15 victories in 47 matches as captain.

Meanwhile, the women’s team will have a new head coach for the Australia tour.

Sarwar Imran’s contract has expired and the BCB will not renew it for the next term.

“The contract of Bangladesh women’s head coach Sarwar Imran has already expired. His contract will not be renewed for the next term, so he will not be given a show-cause notice,” Babu said.

The chairman also indicated changes to the squad and team management for the Australia tour, with David Hemp set to travel with the team as coach.

“You will see changes in the Australia tour squad. David Hemp will go with the team as coach. You will see where the changes are on the 30th. The squad for the Australia tour will be announced that day,” he concluded.