Bangladesh’s cricket board will look into complaints made by fast bowler Jahanara Alam, who says an ex-selector behaved inappropriately towards her during the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup. Late on Thursday the board confirmed a three-member committee, a tight 15-working-day deadline, and a promise of action once the findings land.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has noted with concern the allegations reported in the media made by a former member of the Bangladesh national women’s cricket team regarding alleged misconduct by certain individuals associated with the team,” the statement read. “As the matter is of a sensitive nature, the BCB has decided to form a committee to investigate the allegations thoroughly. The committee will submit its findings and recommendations within 15 working days. The BCB is committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all its players and personnel. The Board takes such matters with utmost seriousness and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.”
Key facts first, then the background. Jahanara, now based in Australia, told journalist Riasad Azim that a former women’s selector, who also doubled as team manager on that tour, asked “lewd questions” and crossed personal boundaries. She also says two unnamed BCB officials acted similarly. According to her account she reported everything to then-women’s wing chief Shafiul Islam Nadel and chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury.
It’s not the first time the 30-year-old has spoken out. Only last month she suggested current captain Nigar Sultana “physically abused” team-mates, a charge the board dismissed as “baseless”. While the two issues differ, they have sharpened the focus on how female cricketers are treated inside the national set-up.
From a performance angle Jahanara’s record is straightforward enough: 48 wickets in 52 ODIs, another 60 in 83 T20Is, and a reputation sturdy enough to earn invites to India’s Women’s T20 Challenge and the privately run FairBreak Invitational. By Bangladeshi standards that makes her a pioneer, yet she has not played an international since late 2023.
Former players contacted for reaction were cautious. One ex-team-mate, asking not to be named, said, “We should let the inquiry run its course, but players must feel safe. Otherwise the system is broken.” A long-time women’s coach added, “Bangladesh’s depth is growing, yet governance around the women’s side sometimes feels an afterthought. Clear protocols help everyone.”
The committee’s brief appears narrow, restricted to the World Cup incident, though some observers wonder if wider cultural issues will surface. For now, the board’s 15-day window looks ambitious but at least signals urgency. Whether that turns into meaningful change depends on what the investigators unearth and, crucially, how the BCB chooses to act once the spotlight fades.
