BCB confirms Jahanara Alam's bid to return to Bangladesh cricket before retiring

Jahanara Alam ends silence with return request

Former Bangladesh captain Jahanara Alam wants to end her self-imposed break from cricket and represent the country again before calling time on her career. Rafiqul Islam Babu, chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) women's wing, confirmed the development, adding that the board would discuss the matter and take a decision soon.

Jahanara Alam wants to end her self-imposed break from cricket and represent Bangladesh again

"Yes, she (Jahanara) had contacted us and insisted she wants to return and she wants to play," said Rafiqul. "She said 'I want to retire by playing in the national team and that is the reason I have kept myself that fit'."

Break, controversy and the road back

Jahanara, who last represented Bangladesh against Ireland in December 2024, had taken a break from cricket citing mental fatigue and subsequently left for Australia. 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.

During her time in Australia, Jahanara became embroiled in controversy after accusing several officials in the BCB's women's department of sexual harassment. She also alleged that captain Nigar Sultana had physically assaulted her, triggering a wider discussion around the team's dressing-room environment. Nigar later addressed the allegations and her leadership style in an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz.

Jahanara now wants to return to cricket in Bangladesh at both the international and domestic levels, with the intention of retiring on the field. The BCB will consider the request against a backdrop of a women's team that, in reporting dated September 30, named its maiden Australia tour squad with Disha Biswas and Habiba Pinky earning first call-ups for three ODIs in Brisbane in October.

"I don't believe in any grouping," Rafiqul said. "Many people may have personal rivalries with many people, but these are absolutely unacceptable in the interest of the country."