The Ireland Women’s cricket team is eager to bounce back as they continue their tour of Bangladesh, which includes a three-match ODI and T20 series.
On Thursday evening, the players took a break from the competition to attend a reception hosted by Masud Jamil Khan, the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh, at his residence in Dhaka.
The event, which also welcomed the Bangladesh Women’s cricket team, provided a relaxed atmosphere where players from both sides mingled, shared stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. Bangladesh, having won the first ODI earlier in the week, took the opportunity to unwind and celebrate the spirit of the game.
In his remarks, Masud Jamil Khan expressed his excitement about hosting the Irish team. “It has been my dream to welcome the Ireland cricket team to my home,” he said, also noting his pleasure in hosting the Bangladesh team and highlighting the growing bond between the two nations through cricket.
Enayetullah Khan, Chief Editor of UNB, also greeted the teams and shared his childhood dream of becoming a Test cricketer. Although that dream did not materialize, he expressed his admiration for the sport and wished both teams success.
Khan’s family members, including UNB Executive Editor Nahar Khan, were also present, adding a personal touch to the evening.
The players arrived in the evening and quickly began chatting and exchanging ideas. Bangladesh’s star pacer, Jahanara Alam, was seen having a lively conversation with Ireland’s captain, Gaby Lewis, while others enjoyed the food and light-hearted exchanges.
Bangladesh’s captain, Nigar Sultana Jyoti, appeared at ease with her teammates, including Sharmin Akhter, whose match-winning 96 in the first ODI played a crucial role in securing a dominant victory for the hosts in the series opener.
Beth Healy, manager of the Ireland Women’s team, shared her appreciation of the tour’s hospitality. “It’s been an amazing experience so far,” Healy told UNB. “The hospitality and security arrangement has been exceptional, and connecting with the Bangladesh team off the field has been wonderful.”
In an exclusive conversation, Ireland’s captain, Gaby Lewis, reflected on the challenges of playing in subcontinental conditions.
“We knew coming here would mean dealing with alien conditions,” she said. “The pitches are spin-heavy, and it’s something we’re still adapting to. But every game in this championship matters, and we’re determined to improve in the remaining matches.”
Gaby Lewis, leading the Irish side as captain for the first time, spoke about the learning curve of captaincy while expressing optimism about her young squad.
“It’s a privilege to lead this group. We have several players also preparing for the Under-19 World Cup, so it’s about growing the game and learning from each match,” she said.
Beth Healy, the team manager, highlighted the importance of balancing cricket with education for the players.
“Half of our squad is on educational contracts, which allows them to focus on their studies while also playing cricket. It’s a model that works well for us,” she noted.
Gaby Lewis expressed her appreciation for the strong ties between Cricket Ireland and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, noting that the security arrangements and other facilities in Bangladesh have been excellent.
As women’s cricket continues to gain global momentum, Gaby views franchise T20 leagues as a key step forward for the sport.
Players on the Bangladesh team have long advocated for a women’s version of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
“A women’s BPL would be brilliant,” Gaby said. “We have seen the success of tournaments like the WPL and The Hundred, and if you see the men's tournaments happening around the world, if you can match that with the women, it will be brilliant.”
For now, Ireland remains focused on the ongoing series.
“We’re looking to bounce back and finish strong,” Gaby added. Both teams are gearing up for two more ODIs and three T20s in what promises to be an exciting contest.
(Source: UNB)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
