(Credit: OpenAI)
Bangladesh: Former Bangladesh women’s team fast bowler Jahanara Alam has made serious allegations that captain Nigar Sultana Joty has physically assaulted younger players in the team. According to Jahanara, several junior players told her that they were slapped and scolded even after apologizing for small mistakes. She claims that this behavior has been happening for a long time, not just recently.
The issue is not just about discipline, but about fear and humiliation. Jahanara says the environment in the team has become stressful and mentally damaging for many players.
Jahanara mentioned an incident from a previous tour to Dubai where, according to her, the captain called a junior player into her room and slapped her. She said the player was extremely upset and cried after the incident. Even though some players tried to raise concerns quietly, they feared being removed from the team. Jahanara believes players deserve a respectful and safe environment. She said young players do not feel comfortable speaking about their problems because they feel no one will support them.
During the Women’s World Cup, Jahanara claims the atmosphere inside the dressing room was tense and players were afraid of making mistakes. The team finished seventh in the tournament, and after losses, the mood became even harsher. Some players reportedly told her that they wanted to quit cricket because they could not handle the emotional stress. Jahanara says a healthy team needs trust and motivation, not shouting and punishment. She believes such behavior affects performance on the field as well.
Jahanara openly said that she took a break from cricket due to mental health reasons. She mentioned that the pressure inside the team was too heavy for her to handle. She believes many players are suffering silently, but she chose to speak up because she wants change. If players are mentally disturbed, they cannot focus on training or matches. Jahanara says players should be supported, not punished, especially when they are young and still learning the game.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board quickly issued a statement rejecting all allegations. The board said the claims are baseless, false, and meant to damage the reputation of the national team. They stated that they have confidence in captain Nigar Sultana and the coaching staff. According to the board, no official complaint has been submitted by any player. They also suggested that differences should be resolved internally, not through the media.
As of now, captain Nigar Sultana has not given a detailed statement about the accusations. However, sources close to the team say she believes she has always tried to maintain discipline and structure. Supporters of the captain say the team must focus on performance and avoid unnecessary drama. But critics argue that discipline cannot justify physical violence. They say the board must investigate the matter properly to prevent further harm.
The controversy has led to debates among former players and fans who are asking whether an independent review panel should be formed. Many believe this issue reflects deeper problems in the management system. If younger players feel unsafe, then the future of women’s cricket in Bangladesh may be affected. The situation now demands careful handling so that no player feels threatened. The cricket board’s next step will decide whether trust can be restored inside the team.
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