Jahanara applies for natinal team return, BCB sets conditions

Former Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Jahanara Alam has applied to return to the national team after spending nearly two years away from international cricket.

Having stepped away from the team citing mental health concerns, Jahanara has now formally expressed her desire to return to the new Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The board, however, has said she must follow the established selection process and prove her fitness and ability in domestic cricket before being considered for a national team comeback.

In December last year, Jahanara alleged that she had faced mental and sexual harassment while part of the national team. Nearly a year after making the allegations, she has now approached the new board to express her interest in returning to international cricket.

She previously withdrew from the national team, citing mental health issues, and moved to Australia, where she continued playing cricket at club level. Her last appearance for Bangladesh in an international match came nearly two years ago.

Rafiqul Islam Babu, chairman of the BCB’s women’s cricket department, said Jahanara had informed the board of her intention to return some time ago.

“She is interested in playing for the country again. However, she will have to follow the usual process for returning to the national team. She must first play domestic cricket, pass a fitness test and then demonstrate consistent performance. The selectors will make a decision based on those factors,” he said.

Women’s team selector Sajjad Ahmed said Jahanara would have to undergo a fitness test after her prolonged absence from international cricket. Her skills and overall performance would then be assessed in domestic competitions.

“If she performs well, she will certainly be considered,” he said.