The controversy follows Jahanara’s statement to the Bangladeshi newspaper Kaler Kantho, in which she claimed that such incidents were not isolated. She also accused former selector Manjurul Islam and other officials of sexual harassment during the 2022 Women’s World Cup, alleging inappropriate questions and behaviour that affected her mental health. Jahanara is currently taking a break from cricket and residing in Australia.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially supported Captain Sultana, stating it has “full faith in the captain, team, and management.” Sultana, who has scored 1,474 runs in 65 One-Day Internationals, reiterated that any actions involving her bat or helmet during personal time were unrelated to players and should not be misinterpreted. “You can ask the rest of the team players if I have ever hit anyone,” she said.
The allegations drew a comparison to a 2023 incident involving Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur. During India’s tour of Bangladesh, Harmanpreet struck the stumps in frustration after an LBW decision in the third ODI, an act for which she later received a two-match suspension. The series ended in a 1-1 draw, with the trophy shared.
The BCB continues to investigate broader concerns around team management and player welfare, following Jahanara’s claims. Meanwhile, Nigar Sultana maintains her stance that she has never physically harmed any teammate and emphasized the importance of separating professional conduct from personal moments.
This episode highlights ongoing scrutiny over player treatment and leadership dynamics within Bangladesh women’s cricket, with both the BCB and players under heightened public attention.
