The Bangladesh Cricketers Welfare Association (CWAB) has settled the matter by explaining that female cricketers are eligible to participate in its next election, dismissing allegations of gender discrimination. Selim Shahed, the convener of CWAB, stated on Tuesday that the association's regulation permits both male and female cricketers to join as a member and exercise their right to vote if they satisfy the requirements. This was after certain national women cricketers, such as Rumana Ahmed and Nigar Sultana, complained about having no representation. CWAB announced that its next election would take place on September 4, 2025. Women Cricketers Raise Concerns Former national cricketer Rumana Ahmed wrote in Facebook criticizing CWAB's failure to pay attention to women's cricket. She wrote: "While developed cricketing nations are moving far ahead with their women cricketers alongside the men, we don't even bring our women cricketers into the conversation. Why this discrimination? We, too, bring glory to the country's cricket." She referred to international women's franchise leagues such as WIPL, WBBL, and WPSL and stated Bangladesh hasn't established its own women's league, the WBPL. Rumana also asked why male superstars such as Tamim, Shakib, and Mahmudullah are always under conversation, yet names such as Salma, Rumana, and Jahanara are not. Also Read | 'Would Definitely Include...': Akram Wants This Star Back for Asia Cup 2025 National captain Nigar Sultana also suggested disparity in a Facebook post, stating: "There is a distinction between cricketers and women cricketers, my friend.There's a difference between cricketers and women cricketers, my friend." CWAB's Response Selim Shahed repudiated charges of exclusion: "All the former national players (male or female) can be life members by paying the required fees... Any cricketer earning the voting right can take part in the CWAB election and there is no such hard and fast rule that women cricketers cannot take part." Shahed invited eligible women cricketers to join and even fight the election. Also Read | Indian Cricketers with Government Jobs: Dual Careers Revealed Membership Rules and Fees Life Member: Former players with CCDM registration: 100,000 Taka Former national players: 50,000 Taka No annual fees; voting rights are included. Permanent Member: All players from 1972 onwards who represented Bangladesh, first-class, List A, or Premier League. Registration: 5,000 Taka Annual fees: Former national players: 5,000 Taka Current national players (BCB contract): 24,000 Taka Current first-class players (BCB contract): 6,000 Taka Premier League / List A: 3,000 Taka National women players (BCB contract): 2,400 Taka Associate Member: Players with CCDM registration in lower divisions or district teams. Entrance fee: 2,000 Taka; yearly: 1,200 Taka. No voting rights. The voting rights for the September 2025 election will be conferred only on former and current national players and current first-class players who have paid the due fees.