Swift shift: Sabinas excluded from squad hours after Ekushey Padak

English coach Peter Butler has finalised the Bangladesh women’s national football team for their upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates, excluding 18 players, including star footballer Sabina Khatun, who reportedly rebelled. 

The squad was officially announced on Thursday, marking the first time that some of the country’s top footballers have been left out of the national team lineup.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh women’s football team was honoured with the Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award, at the Osmani Auditorium in the capital after 12:30pm. 

Just two hours after receiving the prestigious medal, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) revealed the 23-member squad for the UAE tour, notably omitting key players from the previous championship-winning team, including Sabina Khatun, Krishna, and Sanjida.

Of the 23 players selected, only eight were part of last year’s victorious squad. These players are Afeeda Khandaker, Kohati Kisku, Munki Akhter, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Irin Khatun, Yarzan Begum, Swapna Rani, and Mili Akhter. The remaining members are all new additions to the team.

Peter Butler and the squad will depart for the United Arab Emirates on February 24. Bangladesh is scheduled to play a FIFA friendly match against the host nation on February 26, followed by an unofficial match on March 2. This will be the national women’s team’s first appearance on the field since their triumph in the SAFF Championship final on October 30 last year.

23-member squad:

Goalkeepers: Mosammat Yarzan Begum, Mili Akhter, Meghla Rani Roy

Defenders: Kohati Kisku, Zainab Bibi Rita, Afeeda Khandaker, Surma Jannat, Sultana, Kanam Akhter, Maryam Binte Hanna, Arpita Biswas

Midfielders: Halima Akhter, Swapna Rani, Munki Akhter, Bonya Khatun

Forwards: Irin Khatun, Aklima Khatun, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Ayanta Bala Mahato, Oishi Khatun, Tanima Biswas, Suravi Akand Priti, Nabiron Khatun