Bangladesh Women Cricketer Attempts Suicide After Exclusion

A deeply distressing incident has emerged from Bangladesh cricket, where national women’s team all-rounder Ishma Tanzim reportedly attempted suicide following her exclusion from the Bangladesh Women’s Emerging squad camp.

The incident comes amid preparations for Bangladesh’s upcoming tour of South Africa, with the team training at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP). Ishma had initially been included in the preliminary 27-member squad. However, she was later left out of the final 21-player camp list, a decision that, according to her, triggered severe emotional distress.

The 29-year-old cricketer alleges that she was dropped on fitness grounds, despite being fully fit to play. She acknowledged having a previous ankle injury but insisted it was not affecting her performance or readiness for selection. Ishma also claimed she had long been subjected to “disturbing” situations within the team environment, which contributed to her deteriorating mental state.

Following the incident on Friday, she was taken to hospital for treatment. Medical care was provided, and she was later discharged and returned home on Sunday night. Her condition is now reported to be stable, though she continues to recover physically and emotionally.

Speaking to the media, Ishma said she felt devastated by the decision and the explanation provided to her. She described cricket as her passion rather than a profession driven by financial gain, adding that being excluded in such a manner was extremely difficult to accept. She also expressed personal disappointment over missing out on a lasting memory of her international debut.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated that several officials were not aware of the incident when contacted. However, sources within the board indicated that the exclusion from the camp was based on fitness-related assessments.

Ishma Tanzim has represented Bangladesh in three One Day Internationals and four T20 Internationals. Her situation has now raised broader concerns about player welfare, mental health support, and internal management structures within women’s cricket in the country, prompting calls for closer attention to athlete well-being alongside performance considerations.