A memorable day for Jessy

It was a special day for Shathira Jakir Jessy yesterday. The former Bangladesh women cricketer officiated in the traditional Independence Day exhibition match between Bangladesh Red XI and Bangladesh Green XI at the Academy Ground in Mirpur, and according to Jessy, it was a unique experience.

"It felt amazing. To be officiating in such a game and be around legends like [Khaled Mashud] Pilot bhai, Minhajul Abedin [Nannu] bhai was really special for me," Jessy told The Daily Star.

Since completing her professional umpiring course back in 2009, such opportunities have been few and far between for the 31-year-old. According to her, it is the mindset of the mass that has hindered the progress of female umpires in the country.

"Girls in other countries are making strides in this sector. They are officiating in high-profile matches. But that's not the case in Bangladesh.

"The reason could be that people are not used to seeing a woman officiate a cricket match. Also, there seem to be mental biases at play here. People think that as she is a girl, she is soft-hearted and would just nod to an LBW appeal the moment the ball hits the pads," Jessy explained.

The former cricketer, however, was overwhelmed by the appreciation she and her umpiring partner, Dolly Rani Sarkar, received from the former Bangladesh cricketers and BCB officials present at the exhibition match.

"Even many BCB officials did not know about us. But yesterday was different. We were highly appreciated by everyone and I hope that now we will get more opportunities too," Jessy concluded.