Nigar Sultana's handshake decision leaves BCB facing a leadership question

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana's decision not to shake hands with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur before their Women's Asia Cup semi-final has left the Bangladesh Cricket Board facing questions over her leadership.

The BCB has made it clear that the decision was not taken by the Board. Women's committee chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu said Nigar acted on her own and that the Board had not instructed her to avoid the customary pre-match greeting.

The incident took place before Bangladesh's 40-run defeat to India in Dubai, which ended the Tigresses' Asia Cup campaign.

Babu said the Board believes cricket should strengthen relations between countries and that Bangladesh wants friendly ties with all cricket-playing nations. He also indicated that complaints concerning Nigar's conduct had been raised with the Board.

The BCB is not expected to make an immediate decision on her future. Instead, Nigar's captaincy and the overall women's team set-up will be reviewed after the Asian Games.

The leadership issue comes alongside concerns about Bangladesh's performances against stronger teams. Against India, Bangladesh conceded 149 after Shafali Verma was given several early chances and then managed only 109 in reply.

The Asia Cup exit has therefore left the Board with more than one issue to address. Bangladesh need to improve their competitiveness against leading sides, while the leadership structure may also come under examination.

For now, Nigar remains captain as Bangladesh turn their attention to the Asian Games. What happens in Nagoya could have a direct bearing on the decisions that follow.

The handshake incident may have lasted only a few seconds, but it has added another layer to a broader debate about the direction of Bangladesh women's cricket.