Women's World Cup: Bangladesh captain breaks silence on physical assault allegations on juniors by ex-teammate

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana breaks silence on physical assault allegations by former teammate Jahanara Alam (BCB/ACC Photos)

Bangladesh women's captain Nigar Sultana broke her silence on the shocking allegations of physical assault on her made by former teammate Jahanara Alam. The latter, who is a seasoned medium pacer, accused Nigar of beating and slapping juniors during an interview with Bangladesh-based newspaper Kaler Kantho.

"This is nothing new. Joty beats up the juniors a lot. Even during this World Cup, the juniors told me, 'No, I won't do this again. Then I'll have to get slapped again.' I heard from some people, 'I got beaten up yesterday.' Even during the Dubai tour, she called a junior into the room and slapped her," Alam has been quoted as saying in multiple media reports.

She also alleged favourtism while reflecting on her axe from the national team. "Actually, I am not alone, everyone in the Bangladesh team is more or less a victim. Everyone's suffering is different. Here, one or two people get advanced facilities and in some cases, only one person gets them. In 2021, the process of eliminating seniors like me along with a few others from the post-Covid camp began. Then I was made the captain of one of the three teams in the Bangladesh Games. The captains of the other two teams were Jyoti (Nigar Sultana) and Sharmin Sultana. The pressure on seniors started from then on," she said.

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has quashed the accusations made by Alam. An official statement by the sports body read: "The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of recent remarks made in the media by a former member of the Bangladesh Women's National Cricket Team, in which she has made a series of allegations against the current National Team Captain, players, staff and team management."

"The BCB categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth. 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."

Nigar, on Wednesday in a Facebook post, clarified: “Just because I’m not saying anything doesn’t mean I can’t speak, or there’s nothing to say! This team belongs to all of us. It’s painful to see so many negative statements, personal grudges, anger, and harsh language when the team is actually going through its best phase.

“I’m really surprised because many of those making such comments once loved and protected this team, helped build it up, and witnessed both its triumphs and failures!”

Taking shots at Alam, the Bangladesh skipper further stated: “When someone is dropped from the team or goes out of form, and a new option replaces them, suddenly everything about the team — its people, its environment — starts to seem bad to them!

“Respect goes to those who have continued to trust this team and its members! Even if spreading rumours brings temporary attention, I hope it won’t have any lasting impact.”

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Meanwhile, as reported by India Today, the BCB in January 2025 announced that Alam requested a break from international cricket, citing mental health concerns. The board added that the bowler also asked to be kept out of the central contracts list.

Alam, as per the report, is currently based in Sydney and her comeback to the national setup amid such remarks looks highly unlikely.