Former national team captain Jahanara Alam has expressed a formal desire to end her absence from competitive cricket and represent Bangladesh once more. Her intention is to return to both domestic and international platforms to ensure she can eventually retire on the field rather than stepping away during her current break. Since then, she has not been involved in Bangladesh women’s cricket at any level, neither being part of the national set-up nor participating in domestic competitions.
Rafiqul Islam Babu, chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) women’s wing, verified on Thursday, October 15, that Jahanara had reached out to the board regarding her comeback. He noted that the board is currently reviewing her request and will reach a decision in the near future. According to Rafiqul, the veteran pacer emphasized her commitment, stating, “She said, ‘I want to retire by playing in the national team, and that is the reason I have kept myself fit.'”
Jahanara has been sidelined since December 2024, when she last played against Ireland. She initially departed the sport citing mental fatigue and subsequently relocated to Australia. While abroad, her absence became the subject of significant public discourse due to serious allegations she leveled against officials within the BCB’s women’s department concerning sexual harassment. She further alleged that captain Nigar Sultana had physically assaulted her, claims which Nigar later addressed in a separate media response regarding the team’s internal environment.
Addressing the broader concerns surrounding team cohesion, Rafiqul maintained a firm stance against internal divisions. He remarked that personal rivalries and grouping within the squad are unacceptable when the interests of the country are at stake. As the BCB processes her request, the board aims to navigate the complications of her past allegations while considering her desire to conclude her career as a member of the national set-up. But these are absolutely unacceptable in the interest of the country,” Rafiqul said, many people may have personal rivalries with many people.
