The National Sports Council (NSC) recently received a letter alleging irregularities in the selection process of Bangladesh’s Under-19 women’s cricket team. Based on this letter, the NSC sought an explanation from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the claims. In response, the BCB stated that it had thoroughly reviewed the selection process and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Ria Akter, whose signature appeared on the letter, denied ever sending it. Speaking to the media, Ria clarified that the letter was not authored by her and that her signature had been forged. “I did not issue such a letter. The signature on it is not mine. Someone has used my signature to submit this letter in my name,” she said.
When asked who might have sent the letter, Ria admitted she had no information: “I have no knowledge of this; it is as much a question for me as anyone else.” She further confirmed that a recent Facebook post addressing the controversy was made from her own account, intended to clarify the matter. In the post, she attached samples of her authentic signature as proof, emphasising that she had not provided any correspondence to the NSC.
According to a BCB press release, the letter allegedly signed by Ria was submitted on 8 September. On 17 September, the NSC requested the BCB’s explanation regarding the Under-19 women’s team selection and other women’s cricket matters. The BCB reiterated that no irregularities had been identified during its review.
The incident has raised renewed questions about transparency and procedural oversight in women’s cricket, highlighting the importance of verifying the authenticity of official documents.