Jahanara Alam wants to return to Bangladesh cricket before retiring
The former skipper has been away from the game since December 2024, citing mental fatigue
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 to Cricbuzz on Thursday (October 15), adding that the board would discuss the matter and take a decision soon.
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, however, now wants to return to cricket in Bangladesh at both the international and domestic levels, with the intention of retiring on the field. “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'," he added.
"I don't believe in any grouping. Many people may have personal rivalries with many people, but these are absolutely unacceptable in the interest of the country," Rafiqul said.
