Reporter Name 
Bangladesh all-rounder Shorna Akter believes the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) will be a crucial stepping stone as the women’s team builds towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier next January.
Speaking after a fitness session at the BCB National Cricket Academy on Thursday, the 18-year-old reflected on her preparation, past performances, and the team’s expectations heading into a busy period.
The women’s team is currently undergoing a week-long fitness camp, featuring morning running drills and afternoon plyometric sessions. “We are in fitness training now,” Shorna said. “Running in the morning, plyometrics in the afternoon. This camp has been arranged ahead of the BCL.”
With Bangladesh’s scheduled India tour postponed, the BCL has become even more important as the primary platform for competitive match time. “Our fitness camp started yesterday and will run for seven days. Then we report on the 12th. You already know the BCL starts on the 15th,” she said.
Despite concerns from players about last season’s congested NCL schedule, Shorna remains unfazed about the tight BCL window. “We are athletes. We’re here to play, so we have to adapt,” she said.
Reflecting on the Women’s ODI World Cup earlier this year—where she hit Bangladesh’s fastest ODI fifty and claimed six wickets with her leg spin—Shorna remained humble yet honest.
“Alhamdulillah, it went very well. But we couldn’t execute as we had prepared. Three of the matches slipped away from us,” she said. “Personally, I feel I played well in only one match, against South Africa. And whenever the captain gave me the ball, I tried to give my best.”
On Bangladesh’s batting inconsistencies, Shorna stressed the importance of collective responsibility. “We play as a unit. Not everyone will perform every day. If we played more as a unit, we could have done even better. We will try to work on whatever areas we are lacking,” she said.
Shorna also praised the emerging Under-19 players who have broken into the senior side. “They are still young, still growing. But they are doing well. Our responsibility is to give our best for the country and help take the team forward,” she said.
