In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through women’s cricket in Bangladesh, veteran fast bowler Jahanara Alam has leveled explosive allegations against national team captain Nigar Sultana Joty. Alam claims Sultana physically assaulted a junior teammate—a claim the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has swiftly dismissed as “baseless” and “misleading.”
What Jahanara Alam Alleged
Speaking publicly, Alam stated that Nigar Sultana “called a junior player and slapped her,” adding that this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of behavior. She further alleged a systematic effort by team management to sideline senior players like herself, suggesting tensions have been simmering behind the scenes for months .
Alam, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced pacers with over a decade of international cricket under her belt, expressed frustration over her dwindling role in the team despite consistent domestic performances. Her comments come amid growing scrutiny of team culture and leadership within the Bangladesh women’s setup.
BCB’s Strong Denial
The Bangladesh Cricket Board responded within hours, calling Alam’s statements “unfounded” and expressing “deep disappointment” over what it described as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the captain and the team. In an official statement, the BCB affirmed its “full confidence” in Nigar Sultana’s leadership and the integrity of the team management .
“Such allegations are not only false but also damaging to the spirit of the sport and the unity of the squad,” the statement read. The board stopped short of announcing disciplinary action but emphasized its commitment to “a safe, respectful, and professional environment” for all players.
Context: Leadership and Team Dynamics in Bangladesh Women’s Cricket
Nigar Sultana Joty has been captain since 2020 and is widely credited with steering Bangladesh to historic wins, including their famous T20 World Cup victory over New Zealand in 2020. However, like many emerging cricketing nations, Bangladesh’s women’s team has faced challenges around transparency, player welfare, and internal cohesion.
Former players and analysts have long pointed to a lack of formal grievance mechanisms and mental health support structures—issues that often surface only during public disputes. Alam’s outburst may be a symptom of deeper systemic gaps rather than a simple interpersonal conflict.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2025 | Jahanara Alam increasingly omitted from playing XI despite fitness |
| Oct 2025 | Alam voices frustration in local media interviews |
| Nov 2, 2025 | Alam makes direct allegations against Nigar Sultana |
| Nov 4, 2025 | BCB issues formal denial and backs captain |
What’s Next for Bangladesh Women’s Cricket?
As of now, no independent investigation has been announced. However, with the ICC increasingly emphasizing safeguarding protocols in member nations, pressure may mount on the BCB to address these claims transparently—regardless of their validity.
For fans and stakeholders, the priority remains clear: protect the players, preserve team unity, and ensure that allegations—whether true or not—are handled with due process, not denial. The credibility of Bangladesh women’s cricket hangs in the balance.