Urdus and don’ts: BCB warns Bangladesh Women against speaking Urdu

Visiting players and officials told to converse only in Bengali or English

KARACHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cautioned Bangladesh Women against talking in Urdu for the remainder of their tour to Pakistan.

Bangladesh Women are on a limited-over series visit to Pakistan and will play their first ODI on Sunday after having lost the T20I series 2-0 at the Southend Club Cricket Stadium in Karachi.

According to the touring side’s manager Shafiqul Haq, skipper Salma Khatun had spoken a few phrases in Urdu during a media talk, upon which the BCB sought an explanation from the team management.

“We have been ordered to speak only Bengali or English during interviews or talks with anyone here,” Shafiq told The Express Tribune. “I have been asked to stay with the team wherever they go and translate their words in English.”

A BCB official confirmed the Bangladesh government has directed the cricket board that the players and officials should avoid speaking in Urdu or Hindi during their tour of Pakistan or India.

Keeping in line with the policy, the Bangladesh players and officials have been asked to abide by the rules and refrain from conversing in Urdu.

Pakistan Women eager for T20I repeat

Pakistan Women are looking to repeat Bangladesh’s T20I whitewash in the two ODIs ahead.

“We are prepared and ready to deliver another series-win,” said an optimistic Pakistan skipper, Sana Mir.

Talking about veteran Nain Abidi, who was rested for the T20I series, Sana said that ODIs require experienced players who can stick to the crease for a longer time and score runs. “Nain has good experience in ODIs; she has scored a century along with Javeria Khan, who is the highest scorer in the team,” she said.

However, Sana added that Bangladesh are an experienced side in the 50-over format and can give the hosts a tough time. “We will have to work harder if we want to win the one-day format as well,” she concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2015.

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