Former Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Jahanara Alam has expressed her desire to return to the national team before bringing her international career to an end.
The 33-year-old fast bowler, who has been away from Bangladesh cricket since December 2024, has contacted the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about a possible comeback.
Jahanara wants to resume playing domestic cricket and eventually represent Bangladesh again, allowing her to conclude her career on the field.
BCB women’s wing chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu confirmed her interest on October 15 but stressed that any return would depend on fitness assessments, domestic performances and the national selectors’ decisions.
Jahanara Alam Contacts BCB Over Possible Return
Jahanara has formally communicated her intention to return to competitive cricket after taking an extended break from the sport. Rafiqul confirmed that the former Bangladesh captain had approached the board and expressed her willingness to follow the necessary procedures.
“Yes, she has communicated with us. But she will have to pass fitness tests as well,” Rafiqul said.
The BCB official explained that Jahanara would need to demonstrate her readiness through domestic competitions before being considered for international selection.
“She has to come and play domestic tournaments before she can take the next steps. She has expressed interest in playing domestic cricket, but at the end of the day, selectors make the call on who makes the teams.
“There is a procedure to follow once someone has taken a break, but the time she played in the national team, she did well,” Rafiqul added.
The board is expected to discuss her situation before deciding on the next steps.
Jahanara Wants to Retire While Representing Bangladesh
Jahanara’s primary motivation for returning is to finish her international career as an active member of the Bangladesh women’s team. According to Rafiqul, the experienced pacer has maintained her fitness during her absence because she hopes to represent her country again.
“Yes, she (Jahanara) had contacted us and insisted she wants to return and she wants to play,” said Rafiqul.
“She said ‘I want to retire by playing in the national team and that is the reason I have kept myself that fit’,” he added.
Her ambition is therefore not limited to participating in domestic tournaments. Jahanara hopes those competitions will provide a pathway back into the national squad before she eventually announces her retirement.
However, there is currently no confirmation that she will be selected for Bangladesh’s upcoming international assignments.
Why Did Jahanara Alam Take a Break From Cricket?
Jahanara last represented Bangladesh during the three-match home T20I series against Ireland in December 2024. In January 2025, she informed the BCB that she wanted to take a break from the national team because of mental fatigue and mental health concerns.
She subsequently travelled to Australia and remained away from Bangladesh’s cricketing structure.
During her absence, Jahanara did not participate in domestic competitions or represent the national team. Her extended break raised questions about whether she would return to international cricket.
Her latest communication with the BCB indicates that she now wants to resume her playing career.
Jahanara’s Allegations Against Bangladesh Cricket Officials
Jahanara’s time away from the national team also included controversy surrounding allegations she made against individuals associated with Bangladesh women’s cricket. While in Australia, the former captain accused several officials in the BCB’s women’s department of sexual harassment.
She also alleged that Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty had physically assaulted her.
The allegations prompted wider discussion about the environment within the Bangladesh women’s team.
Nigar subsequently addressed the accusations and questions surrounding her leadership approach in an interview with Cricbuzz.
These remain allegations as described in the available reports, and the supplied information does not establish their findings or outcomes.
Rafiqul also commented on the importance of preventing personal disputes from affecting the national team’s interests.
“I don’t believe in any grouping. Many people may have personal rivalries with many people, but these are absolutely unacceptable in the interest of the country,” Rafiqul said.
Jahanara Alam’s International Cricket Career
Jahanara has been one of Bangladesh women’s experienced fast bowlers since making her international debut in 2011.
She first represented the national team in the ODI format and subsequently became an important member of Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
The right-arm pacer has also served as captain of the national women’s team.
Across her international career, she has claimed 108 wickets in the two white-ball formats.
Domestic Cricket Could Provide Pathway Back
The BCB has several women’s domestic competitions scheduled in the coming months.
According to board sources, Jahanara will need to decide which tournament she intends to participate in as she prepares for a possible return.
Domestic cricket would allow her to demonstrate her match fitness and bowling form after a lengthy absence.
It would also give selectors an opportunity to assess her performances against other players competing for places in the national squad.
Rafiqul made clear that Jahanara’s previous achievements would not automatically guarantee her selection.
She must complete the required fitness assessments and perform in domestic cricket before the selectors consider her for international duty.
Will Jahanara Alam Play for Bangladesh Again?
Jahanara’s return to the Bangladesh women’s team remains uncertain, but her communication with the BCB represents an important first step.
The board has acknowledged her interest and indicated that the matter will be discussed.
Her immediate challenge will be returning to domestic competition and proving that she is ready for international cricket.
If she successfully meets the required standards, the selectors could consider her for future national assignments.
For Jahanara, the objective is clear: she wants another opportunity to wear the Bangladesh jersey and end her playing career on the cricket field rather than away from it.
