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Jahanara Alam Takes a Break from Cricket to Address Mental Health Issues
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Monday that Jahanara Alam, a key figure in Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team, has decided to take an indefinite break from cricket due to mental health challenges.
Jahanara Alam’s Decision: Prioritizing Mental Well-Being
Jahanara Alam, one of Bangladesh’s premier pace bowlers, has communicated her inability to continue playing due to mental health struggles. BCB’s women’s wing in-charge, Habibul Bashar, confirmed the news, stating that the board received a formal letter from Jahanara expressing her current state of mind.
“She informed us that she is not mentally ready to play and requested a two-month break from cricket,” Bashar shared. “She also mentioned her willingness to step out of the contract if needed. We respect her decision and are here to support her. Jahanara will return whenever she feels mentally prepared.”
Jahanara has been a pivotal player for Bangladesh, with 52 ODIs and 83 T20Is to her name. Despite making her comeback in July 2024 after a year-long absence, she did not feature in any matches during the T20 World Cup. Her most recent appearance came during the home series against Ireland, where she played only in T20Is.
Bangladesh Women’s Team to Tour West Indies
A Historic First: Women’s Team Heads to the Caribbean
The BCB also announced the squad for Bangladesh women’s team’s maiden tour of the West Indies. The team, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, will play three ODIs and three T20Is at Warner Park, St Kitts, as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
“This series is crucial as both teams are vying for valuable ICC Women’s Championship points to secure direct qualification for the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India,” said Bashar.
The team will arrive in St Kitts on January 14.
ODI and T20I Schedules
- ODIs: January 19, 21, and 24
- T20Is: January 27, 29, and 31
To qualify for the Women’s World Cup, Bangladesh must win the ODI series.
Squad Updates: Key Changes
Several changes have been made to the squad, with some players returning and others left out.
Players Making a Comeback
- ODIs: Lata Mondal, Fariha Islam
- T20Is: Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Farzana Hoque
Players Omitted
- Jahanara Alam, Ritu Moni, Jannatul Ferdous
Vice-captain Nahida Akter expressed her excitement, drawing inspiration from the men’s team’s recent successful West Indies tour.
“We’re thrilled to tour the West Indies for the first time. Our goal is to secure crucial ICC points and qualify for the Women’s World Cup,” she stated.
SQUAD LIST
- Captain: Nigar Sultana Joty
- Vice-Captain: Nahida Akter
- Other Players: Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Lata Mondol, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Farzana Haque, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter
