“I Was Never Invited to Functions Because I Had No Proper Clothes”: Marufa

Bangladesh’s ongoing Women’s One Day International (ODI) World Cup has seen Marufa Akter stand out not only for her pace and swing but for the way she has baffled the world’s top batters. From Lasith Malinga to Nasser Hussain, even seasoned cricket experts have lauded her performances. Many now consider her to be the next spearhead of Bangladesh’s pace attack, following in the footsteps of Jahanara Alam.

Marufa’s rise to international cricket was far from smooth. Born into a poor family in Saidpur, Nilphamari, she grew up in a six-member household where scarcity was a constant companion. Her father, a farmer, cultivated land on a rented basis, and Marufa often helped him with the arduous work of ploughing and sowing.

“I used to help my father in the fields. There was no money for good clothes. Even relatives did not invite us to social functions because they thought our attire would bring shame,”
— Marufa Akter

Her words convey the emotional and social hardships she endured. She recalls:

“If there was a wedding or any function, we were never invited. People would say, ‘They have no proper dress; if they come, it will be shameful for them.’ There was a time when we couldn’t even buy new clothes for Eid.”

Marufa describes the verbal abuse and social stigma she faced:

“My father was a farmer. We did not have that kind of money. When my father went to the market, people would come to my mother and say terrible things. My mother would go to her room and cry. I would go to a corner and cry too, thinking all this is happening because of me,”
— Marufa Akter

Despite the emotional toll, Marufa’s determination and resilience helped her overcome societal prejudice and economic hardship.

Today, Marufa is a key figure for Bangladesh on the global stage, inspiring young cricketers with her story. Speaking to the International Cricket Council (ICC), she shared:

“I thought, one day I will show something good. Now that we have reached this stage, others are not in the same position. The way I am supporting my family, many boys may not be able to do the same. That gives a different kind of peace.”

She reflects on her journey with a mixture of pride and humility:

“When I was a child, I wondered when people would see us like this, clap for us. Now, when I see myself on TV, I feel a little shy (laughs).”

Marufa Akter’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity. From working side by side with her father in the fields to facing social exclusion for lack of proper attire, she has risen to international acclaim through sheer dedication and passion for cricket.

Her journey serves as a powerful motivation for young athletes, showing that perseverance and hard work can overcome poverty and societal barriers.

Marufa’s journey embodies the triumph of spirit over circumstance, making her a beacon for aspiring cricketers and a proud representative of Bangladesh on the world stage.