Nigar Sultana Joty reflects on her captaincy future (Source: @arnuX05/x.com)
Bangladesh cricket has been under the spotlight lately, but the Women’s team is gearing up for a huge challenge. As the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is commencing in June 2026, Bangladesh Women will play the qualifier round to secure their place in the marquee tournament.
Just before flying to Nepal for the qualifier matches, Bangladesh Women’s skipper Nigar Sultana Joty opened up about their preparation. But it was her response about her captaincy future that truly grabbed the attention.
Nigar Sultana opens up about Bangladesh’s qualifier squad
The cricket world just witnessed a thrilling ODI World Cup last year, and yet another World Cup is knocking on the door. In June 2026, another edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup is coming back to spread unreal excitement. But before stepping into the big stage, Bangladesh Women must first conquer the crucial qualifier hurdle.
As Nepal is set to host the qualifier stage of the Women’s T20 World Cup, Bangladesh will play four matches to secure their place. Ahead of that, Bangladesh Women’s skipper Nigar Sultana Joty reflected on their preparation. Speaking to the Daily Star, she revealed her insights on the squad’s strength and readiness for the big stage.
“Regarding the team, firstly, a new player has been picked who has never played internationally – Juairiya Ferdous, an opening batter. She did very well in the NCL, though she could not do as well in the BCL. However, she has a lot of potential, which the selectors and we, as players, observed during the tournaments and practice matches,” she said.
“Her ability to use power and her intent are different from everyone else, which is why she has been included. [Dilara Akter] Dola has also been added. We have seen that we often lack runs or power in the top order, which causes us to suffer. So, the team has been organised to strengthen the batting,” she added.
Joty speaks out on her captaincy future
Since Joty took charge of the Bangladesh Women’s side, the team has gone through waves of highs and lows and even controversies. Despite the challenges, she’s consistently defied the odds with grit and determination. Ahead of the qualifiers, when asked about her captaincy future, Joty confidently declared that her journey as captain is far from over.
“The cricket board has given me this responsibility. It does not matter how long I continue, since I enjoy this job. So far, whenever I have been given a responsibility, I have tried to fulfil it. It will depend totally on the cricket board. If they feel that the team is not improving under me, then that will be their decision. But I am enjoying the captaincy and am not thinking about quitting at the moment,” she said.
Skipper Joty puts faith in team’s bowling power
Bangladesh Women’s side is stepping into the qualifier stage with a mighty squad. Even Marufa Akter made a comeback, but an injury blow hit them harder. Ace spinner Nishita Akter Nishi is set to miss the tournament. Despite the blow, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty showed unwavering faith in her bowlers.
“Marufa is well recovered and started in the BCL after skipping the NCL to take time for her injury. It is good news that she has made a comeback and is fit enough to play. Nishita Akter Nishi would have increased competition for the spinners. However, our current spin attack is very good. We have leg-spinners, left-arm, and right-arm spin options alongside genuine batters who also bowl very well,” she said.
As the Qualifier is set to commence on January 18, the Bangladesh Women will lock horns against the USA Women in the second match. After a tough ODI World Cup, they’re eager to bounce back and make a strong statement in the upcoming tournament.
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