Cricket Board takes action for footballer's residence; compatriot allegedly falls short on match costs repayment
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has shown its commitment to the broader sports community in Bangladesh, extending support to athletes from other sports such as football. This solidarity was recently highlighted as the BCB decided to build a house for Rituparna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh women's national football team.
Rituparna, who hails from Moghachhari village in Ghagra Union, Kawkhali Upazila, Rangamati district, has been the main breadwinner for her family since the deaths of her father and only brother. She bears the cost of treatment for her mother, who is battling cancer. Despite her contributions to the sport, Rituparna and her family have been living in a dilapidated structure for years.
In a significant turn of events, the BCB has agreed to build a house for Rituparna on the land that was allotted to her by the previous government. Rituparna had been facing complications regarding the transfer of land ownership for three years, but this issue now seems to be resolved.
However, the women's football team is currently facing other challenges. Players like Monika, Rituparna, and Sabina are currently playing in the Bhutan league, but they are not receiving their BFF salaries during this period. Each player is owed BDT 10,000 per match played and BDT 5,000 for those who do not play.
Moreover, the BCB has not paid the match fees for 11 matches played by the women's football team in 2024. Additionally, several national team players have expressed anger over the chronic delays in receiving their match fees.
In a similar vein, the BFF has yet to pay the BDT 15 million prize money it promised to the team nine months after winning the SAFF title. This delay in payment has added to the financial struggles faced by the players.
Despite these challenges, the BCB has demonstrated its support for athletes from other sports in the past. For instance, it awarded cash prizes to the SAFF-winning women's football team. The BCB's initiatives, such as the 'Share and Care' program, focus on creating a supportive environment for cricketers and show the board's commitment to athlete welfare.
As the BCB continues to support athletes from different sports, it is hoped that the issues faced by the women's football team will be swiftly resolved, allowing players like Rituparna to focus on their sport and live a more stable life.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) support extends beyond cricket, as they recently decided to build a house for Rituparna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh women's national football team. Despite facing financial struggles due to living in a dilapidated structure and bearing the cost of her mother's cancer treatment, Rituparna is also currently playing in the Bhutan league but is not receiving her BFF salaries during this period.
