Historically, women in Bangladesh mainly participated in cricket as players, but a recent development has seen them take on umpiring roles, showcasing their broader impact on the sport.
The shift began to gain traction in late 2022 with the emergence of female umpires in the country. Leading this movement is Sathira Jakir Jessy, recognized as a trailblazer in women’s umpiring in Bangladesh. Jessy, a former cricketer, opted for umpiring when few women considered it a viable career choice.
Her advancement has been swift. Jessy has officiated in various prestigious tournaments, including the ICC Women’s World Cup, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and the ACC Women’s Asia Cup. She has also officiated in men’s domestic and international matches, making her one of the pioneering Bangladeshi women to do so.
According to Jessy, umpiring presents long-term prospects for individuals in cricket. “I believe women’s umpiring is a highly rewarding profession,” she stated. “I would even argue it surpasses playing because while a playing career has a limited duration, in umpiring, your value grows with experience.”
She emphasized the need for resilience and self-assurance in the profession. “One must possess strong mental fortitude and be prepared for any situation, whether officiating men’s or women’s games,” Jessy remarked. “If you are meek or lack confidence, you will struggle.”
Additionally, she stressed the significance of education. “A solid educational background is crucial, particularly proficiency in English,” she added. “As all the rules and playing conditions are articulated in English.”
Jessy’s success has inspired other cricketers to contemplate umpiring as a career post their playing days. National team players such as Sharmin Akhter Supta and Rumana Ahmed have completed umpiring courses, while others are exploring similar avenues.
Another Bangladeshi official making strides in this field is Mishu Chowdhury, who recently officiated at the ACC Women’s Rising Teams Asia Cup in Thailand. She believes that former players have a competitive edge when transitioning into umpiring.
“I believe it is notably easier for ex-cricketers to transition into umpiring as they grasp the intricacies of the game much quicker than someone without a cricket background,” she expressed.
Institutional support has also played a pivotal role in fostering this new trajectory. Alongside conducting training programs, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has started to include women umpires on its payroll since 2025, with four currently serving as paid umpires.
Chairman of the board’s umpires committee, Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, noted the positive outcomes of this initiative. “We opened doors three years ago, and now they are officiating in World Cups and international matches,” he remarked.
As more women engage in training programs and gain practical experience, umpiring is gradually evolving into a fresh frontier for female cricketers in Bangladesh, showcasing that their impact on the sport goes beyond the playing field.
