Bangladesh fast bowler Jahanara Alam is keen to return to cricket in her home country after spending the past two years in Australia, where she has played local club cricket and undergone training. The 33-year-old wants to resume playing domestic cricket and hopes to earn another opportunity to represent Bangladesh at international level.
Jahanara has recently contacted Rafiqul Islam, head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) women’s wing, to express her interest in returning. Although her approach has raised the prospect of a comeback, securing a place in the national team will depend on her current fitness, performances and ability to meet the selectors’ expectations.
The experienced pacer last represented Bangladesh in December 2024, in an international match against Ireland. She has remained outside the national set-up since then, but has not announced her retirement from international cricket. Her latest move indicates that she remains interested in continuing her career in Bangladesh.
During her time in Australia, Jahanara raised allegations of sexual harassment against several officials in the BCB’s women’s department. She also accused national team captain Nigar Sultana of fostering factionalism within the squad. In connection with these allegations, the experienced cricketer submitted a 13-page letter to the board.
The allegations brought attention to tensions surrounding Bangladesh women’s cricket. However, Jahanara’s decision to pursue a return to the game suggests that she is willing to explore opportunities to resume her playing career. The allegations and her potential return are separate matters, and any decision on her selection will be subject to the board’s established process.
Rafiqul Islam has made it clear that the door remains open to all cricketers who can contribute to the national side. He also stressed that selection would be based on merit and physical readiness.
‘The door is open for all cricketers in the interests of the country. However, to earn a place in the national team, players must pass the tests of merit and fitness,’ he said.
The BCB official’s comments leave open the possibility of Jahanara’s return, but offer no guarantee of selection. After an extended period away from international cricket, she would need to demonstrate that she remains capable of competing at the highest level.
A return to domestic cricket could provide an important first step. Regular competitive matches would allow Jahanara to assess her bowling form, maintain match fitness and demonstrate her readiness to the selectors. Her experience of playing and training in Australia may help her preparation, although her current performance will ultimately be the key consideration.
Jahanara made her international debut in 2011 and has since become an experienced figure in Bangladesh women’s cricket. She has represented the country in 52 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 83 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). She has also served as captain in seven T20Is and two ODIs, giving her experience of leadership as well as international competition.
Her long career means she brings considerable experience to any discussion about a possible return. Yet past achievements alone will not secure a place in the national side. Her physical condition, recent performances and the team’s requirements will all influence the selectors’ decision.
For now, Jahanara’s contact with the BCB marks a potential first step towards resuming her career at home. Whether she can turn that interest into an international comeback remains uncertain. The immediate challenge will be to demonstrate her fitness and form, with any return to the Bangladesh team dependent on meeting the standards required for selection.
