Salma, Supta off to play ‘Women’s IPL’

Two of Bangladesh national women's cricket team players — Salma Khatun and Sharmin Akhter Supta — will fly for India tomorrow to play the Women's T20 Challenge, also known as the Women's IPL.

The tournament, set to be a three-team affair and take place between May 24-28 in Pune, could not be held last year as it clashed with India's tour of Australia.

The last time it took place was back in 2020 in the UAE, where Salma had featured for the Trailblazers, one of the three teams fighting for this year's trophy alongside Supernovas and Velocity.

And this time, Salma will have Supta by her side, who will play a tournament away from home for the first time.   

"We got the visa today and will fly to India tomorrow. I will play for the same team and along with me, Supta will play for Trailblazers for the first time," Salma told The Daily Star today.

Salma had a good run in the tournament's 2020 edition, where her brilliance with the ball in the final had helped Trailblazers lift their maiden trophy. And earlier this year, the experienced campaigner shined for the Tigresses in the Women's World Cup in New Zealand.

"Pray for me so that I can continue my good performance in the tournament. I will give my best," said Salma, who made the cut for the World Cup's best eleven.