The National Sports Council (NSC) recently received a letter alleging irregularities in the selection process of the Bangladesh U-19 Women’s Cricket team. Based on this letter, the NSC sought an explanation from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). BCB responded, stating that they had thoroughly reviewed the process and found no irregularities.
However, the matter took a surprising turn when it was revealed that Riya Akter, the cricketer whose signature appeared on the letter, never sent it. Speaking to the media and via a Facebook post today, Riya said, “I did not issue this letter. The signature on it is not mine. Someone forged my signature and sent the letter in my name.”
She added, “I don’t know who sent it. This is also a question for me.” Regarding her Facebook post, she clarified, “I posted it myself to make the matter clear. That letter is not from me.”
In her post, Riya wrote, “Many people have asked me about this letter over the past few days. I have always told them I did not issue it. Today, I want to clearly state to everyone that I did not submit such a letter to the NSC. The signature used was forged. I have attached a sample of my official signature as proof.”
This incident has raised serious questions about transparency in women’s cricket in Bangladesh. NSC and BCB are investigating, while Riya herself has taken steps to publicly clarify the situation and protect her reputation.