The recent outburst by Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty during the third BANW vs INDW T20I has reignited past controversies in women’s cricket, sparking discussions on sportsmanship and respect in competitive settings. Sultana who had earlier called out India captain Harmanpreet Kaur for losing her calm, was slammed for doing the same. The Indian women’s cricket team are playing a 5-match T20I series against Bangladesh and lead by 3-0.
Nigar Sultana loses her calm
Sultana’s actions, particularly her throwing of the bat and helmet in frustration after being controversially given out lbw in the 19th over of the match in Sylhet on May 2, have drawn significant attention. Despite replays indicating that the impact of the ball was outside off-stump, the decision stood, leading to Sultana’s visible agitation as she left the pitch.
Sultana called out for her comments on Harmanpreet Kaur
This incident has evoked memories of Sultana’s previous criticism of Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur during an ODI series in Bangladesh last year. Kaur’s own display of temper, when she struck the stumps with her bat after being dismissed in the third ODI and made remarks perceived as disparaging towards the umpires and the Bangladesh team, resulted in a two-match suspension and ICC demerit points.
Sultana had been vocal about her disapproval of Kaur’s behaviour at the time, emphasizing that such actions overshadowed the commendable performance of her team and the series tie. She remarked, “Cricket is a game of discipline, and whatever we do inspires others. We expected appreciation… But what they did certainly does not leave a good message.”
The fans were, however, quick to call the Bangladesh skipper out for her anger.
