Government overthrow and social unrest forced the relocation of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE. For Arifa Jahan Bithi and her Women’s Dreamer Cricket Academy, the first and only girls academy in Bangladesh, an opportunity to turn attitudes towards girls pursuing cricket was lost.

“There is a buzz, but no one takes interest,” she told The Hindu on the mood around the ongoing women’s ODI World Cup. “Many here still don’t know women play cricket.”

Arifa coaches over 350 girls for free, who play across many divisions, including the Dhaka Premier League. Two are in the national camp as well.

She famously posted visuals of Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter ploughing a paddy field during the pandemic, which drew attention and consequently got her support. Marufa’s evolution mirrors how systems in Bangladesh have had to grow alongside her.

“There is no push at the grassroots for elements like strength and power hitting. Grassroots didn’t have gym, swimming etc. We just bowled, batted, worked on technique,” Arifa explained.

“Cricket needs to reach schools and districts. Ours is primarily still growing from college level. If it drips down, the pool of players will increase,” she noted.

“The facilities and the tiers boys get, they don’t exist for girls. Most schools don’t have cricket for girls.”

Arifa is hopeful that her country will come away from this World Cup with positives to carry into the future. “Through the work I’m doing, through talents like Marufa, I want my country to see that girls are no less than anyone,” she said.