Colombo: Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter is making headlines for her remarkable performance in the Women’s World Cup — but behind the success is a deeply emotional journey. Marufa shone in Bangladesh’s opening match, claiming two wickets against Pakistan and earning the Player of the Match title. But it’s her courage off the field that’s winning hearts across the cricketing world.

Opening up during the tournament, the 19-year-old shared the struggles she faced growing up in poverty.

“We weren’t invited to weddings or ceremonies because we didn’t have nice clothes. People used to say our presence would embarrass them. There was a time we couldn’t even afford a new outfit for Eid,” Marufa revealed.
 

The young pacer, who hails from a rural village, spoke about her father, a farmer and how financial hardship shaped her early life.

“My father is a farmer. We never had much money.”

Despite the odds, Marufa has become a role model, breaking stereotypes not only for girls in sport but also for breadwinners in families.

“Honestly, not many people from where I come from have reached where I am today. Even many boys don’t support their families the way I do. As a child, I used to wonder when people would finally applaud us with pride. Now, when I see myself on TV, I feel shy,” she added with a smile.

Marufa made her international debut for Bangladesh in 2022 in a T20 match against New Zealand. She has since played 30 ODIs, taking 25 wickets, with her best figures being 4 wickets against India. In T20s, she has claimed 20 wickets in 30 matches.