Bangladesh women's national football team coach, Peter Butler, has come under heavy fire on Sunday after excluding five senior players from the squad for the upcoming tri-nation series in Jordan, most notably veteran forward Sabina Khatun and defender Masura Parveen, both of whom are still in fine form.
It had long been anticipated that Butler, embroiled in a standoff with 18 players over alleged internal discord, would make some bold calls. True to form, he left out Sabina, Masura, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Sanjida Akter, and Matsushima Sumaiya, all of whom had travelled to play in the Bhutanese league recently, a move which seemingly soured their standing with the coach.
The final squad was unveiled during a press conference on Sunday, attended by Mahfuza Akhter Kiran, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) Women's Wing.
Of the ten players who had gone to Bhutan, five were recalled. Sabina and Masura, however, didn't make the cut, a decision that has raised more than a few eyebrows, especially considering Sabina's recent blistering nine-goal performance in a single match in Bhutan. Coach Butler defended his decisions by emphasising the need to build a stronger and more disciplined team for the future.
"I had to consider a lot of factors, fitness, discipline, and the development of a robust squad for the days ahead," he stated, adding that Sabina's form was "on the decline".
Butler also cited a lack of training and fitness issues for the other dropped players. Still, his explanations have done little to quell public criticism, with many questioning the omission of two of the country's most experienced and currently in-form players.
When asked if the BFF had sought justification from the coach for excluding Sabina and Masura, Kiran remained firm on the federation's stance. "Team selection is the coach's prerogative. We never interfere with his independence. He has the final say," she remarked.
The Bangladesh squad, led by coach Peter Butler, is set to fly to Jordan on Monday morning. The team will play its first match against Indonesia on 31 May and face hosts Jordan on 3 July.
On paper, both opponents are considered stronger sides, making Bangladesh's task a steep uphill battle.
Bangladesh Women's Football Squad for Jordan Series: Rupna Chakma, Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr., Shamsunnahar Jr., Monika Chakma, Rituporna Chakma, Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Afaida Khandakar, Sagorika, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Munki Akter, Swapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, Suravi Akand Preeti, Sultana, Meghla Rani Roy, Zaynab Bibi Rita, Halima Akter, Nobiron Khatun, Ferdousi Akter Sonali, Umhela Marma, and Shanti Mardi.
Whether this new-look squad can hold its own against stronger opponents remains to be seen. For now, however, the exclusion of fan favourites has cast a shadow over what should have been a confident step forward.
