BCB Supports Nigar Sultana's Handshake Decision Amid Captaincy Review

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has backed Nigar Sultana’s right to refuse a post-match handshake with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur – but made it clear she did so alone.

Women’s committee chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu confirmed that the board neither instructed nor endorsed the gesture after Bangladesh’s 40-run defeat to India in the Asia Cup semi-final, where Nigar walked off without joining the customary line-up.

“Of course, it was her own decision (not to shake hands with Harmanpreet),” Babu said. “We believe sports bring the world together. We want friendly relations with all countries, not just India and so whatever she did was entirely her personal decision.”

The move came against a charged regional backdrop. Since last year’s men’s Asia Cup, Indian captains have declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts amid political tensions between the two countries. On Thursday, Nigar stepped into that fraught space, drawing immediate attention by opting out of the usual post-game courtesy.

On the field, Bangladesh had already endured a difficult evening. Chasing 150, they fell well short, bowled out 40 runs adrift, and exited the tournament at the semi-final stage. Off the field, the fallout may yet prove more complicated.

Babu revealed that complaints have been lodged against Nigar for misconduct, and that her position as captain will come under formal review once the Asian Games campaign ends.

“We have discussed the thing (performance and complaint) in total with the board president and since they are in Asian Games we will assess the situation after the conclusion of the games,” he said.

The message from the board is blunt: results and behaviour are both under the microscope.

“First, we will see how the team performs at the Asian Games, then decide what needs to be done,” Babu added. “There are many shortcomings in the team. We have not been able to beat the bigger teams. We played well in the World Cup too but lost because of small mistakes. We are working to make the team stronger and more competitive. After the Asian Games we will decide what can be done.”

For Nigar, the next few weeks now carry a double weight: leading Bangladesh into a major multi-sport event, while knowing her leadership will be judged the moment the final ball is bowled.