While men’s cricket gets a lot of attention, the history of women in cricket is also no less impressive. The first recorded instance of women in cricket goes back to 1745 and the first Women’s One Day International (WODI) was played in 1934. Over the years, the participation and fan following surrounding women’s cricket has only increased, and one of our very own has taken the flag to new heights. We’re talking about none other than Shathira Jakir Jessy, the first Bangladeshi woman to become an international umpire.  Early Life  Shathira Jakir Jessy was born in 1990 in Lalmonirhat. Her father, a banker, and mother, a head teacher, were very supportive of her love for cricket. Through her mother, Jessy first got into Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) in shooting as women’s cricket wasn’t offered by BKSP at that time.  Over the years, Jessy persisted and when women’s cricket finally took off in 2007, Jessy found her calling. And the rest is history.  Read more: Women's Asia Cup: Bangladesh aim for semifinal spot Career Overview  Table: Shathira Jakir Jessy’s Cricket Career at a Glance Competition Matches Runs Scored  Top Score  Ball Bowled Wickets WODI 2 1 1 22 0 WT20I 1 - - - - WLA 9 133 62 342 15 WT20 13 57 22* 270 17 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shathira_Jakir

Nadir Shah, one of Bangladesh’s most famous umpires, passed away on Friday morning at a hospital in Dhaka. He was 57.  Nadir Shah had been suffering from lung cancer for the last two years. Before being one of the most successful Bangladeshi umpires who was also listed as an ICC umpire, Nadir played cricket for two decades at the domestic level. He represented big Dhaka clubs like Abahani, Mohammedan and Biman. Read:ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021: A new challenge for Shamim Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed deep shock at his death. Former and current Bangladeshi cricketers also took on their social media handles to offer homage to the deceased. “Cricket has lost a passionate cricketer, umpire, and lover of the game. I had the privilege to know and play with him for many years. No matter what challenge came his way, he always took it on with courage and a smile. Nadir bhai, you will live on in our hearts and minds forever,” Aminul Islam Bulbul, Bangladesh’s first Test captain, wrote on his social media profile.  “Nadir bhai used to wear a folded-half-sleeve shirt. We will surely miss this style of him. Every cheering moment I have passed with you is now just a memory,” Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Bangladesh’s former captain," he wrote on his social media profile as well.  Jalal Chowdhury, a coach and cricket analyst, also offered respect to the deceased. Jalal Yunus, one of Nadir Shah’s longtime friends and colleagues and a BCB director, took to Twitter to offer homage. Jalal described Nadir as a kind-hearted guy and a great cricket lover.  I have lost one of my cricket colleague today. Played together in Dhanmondi and Abahani club.Nadir Shah,Former player,International Umpire and of all a great cricket lover and a kind hearted guy.May Allah grant him Jannatul Ferdous. pic.twitter.com/t0RskfFG5U— Mohammed Jalal Yunus (@JalalYunusCric) September 10, 2021 A leg-spinner and handy batsman in his playing days, Nadir Shah appeared for two decades for a host of famous clubs in the Dhaka League including Abahani, Mohammedan, Biman, Brothers Union, Surjo Tarun, Kalabagan, Azad Boys and Dhanmondi, a BCB statement reads.  In March 2006, Nadir stood as an umpire in an international match between Bangladesh and Kenya for the first time and went on to officiate in 40 ODIs, three T20 Internationals and three Women’s ODIs.  Read:Bangladesh announces 15-member squad for T20 World Cup He was a TV Umpire in six Tests and 23 ODIs as well. He had also officiated in 73 first-class matches, 127 List A and 54 (five as TV Umpire) T20 games.  “Nadir Shah was a most affable person who was loved and respected by all in the cricket fraternity. He will be missed. He lived for cricket and had always executed his responsibility as an umpire with fairness. We pray for the salvation of his soul,” as Nizamuddin Chowdhury, BCB CEO quoted in the BCB statement.