The Bangladesh Cricket Board has flatly denied allegations from pace bowler Jahanara Alam that current women’s captain Nigar Sultana attacks team-mates.
Alam, who last played for Bangladesh in December 2024, told the daily Kaler Kantho that Sultana “beats up” her colleagues in the dressing room. The comments gathered pace online on Tuesday, forcing an official response.
“The BCB categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth,” the board said in a statement. “The Board finds it unfortunate that such derogatory and scandalous claims have been made at a time when the Bangladesh Women’s Team is showing commendable progress and unity on the international stage.
“The Board believes that the timing and nature of these comments are deliberate, ill-intentioned and seemingly aimed at undermining the spirit and confidence of a team that continues to represent the country with pride. It is deeply disappointing that an individual who currently has no involvement or relevance in the plans of Bangladesh cricket has chosen to make such misleading statements in public.”
“The BCB wishes to make it clear that it has complete trust and confidence in the Women’s National Team’s leadership, players and management. The Board has found no evidence to support any of the claims made and stands firmly behind the team and its personnel.”
Nigar is yet to respond, though one official close to the squad said the wicketkeeper-batter felt “shocked and disappointed” by the accusation. Team-mates have remained silent in public.
Alam, 32, has 49 ODI wickets to her name but has slipped out of contention since a hamstring injury early last year. Several observers suggest her relationship with team management has cooled, but no-one on record links that to the present dispute.
Bangladesh’s women finished seventh of eight sides at the recent World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. Their solitary win came against Pakistan; they pushed England, South Africa and Sri Lanka close without quite sealing another upset.
With a home series against Ireland pencilled in for January, the board must now weigh up whether to bring Alam back into the fold or leave the matter, and possibly the player, on ice.
