Bangladesh fast bowler Jahanara Alam is keen to return to competitive cricket in her home country after spending the past two years in Australia, where she has played local club cricket and undertaken training. The 33-year-old is interested in representing Bangladesh again at international level, as well as participating in domestic competitions.
Jahanara has recently contacted Rafiqul Islam, head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) women’s wing, to express her desire to return. Her approach could open the door to a comeback, although any opportunity to rejoin the national side will depend on her fitness, performance and ability to meet the selectors’ requirements.
The experienced pacer last represented Bangladesh in an international match against Ireland in December 2024. She subsequently moved to Australia, where she continued her involvement in cricket through local clubs and training.
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. Jahanara submitted a 13-page letter to the cricket board detailing her concerns, bringing attention to tensions within Bangladesh women’s cricket.
The allegations and the circumstances surrounding her departure from the national set-up generated discussion within the cricket community. However, Jahanara has not announced her retirement from international cricket, leaving open the possibility of a return.
Rafiqul Islam has indicated that the board is open to considering players who can contribute to the national team, while making clear that selection standards will apply equally to everyone.
‘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.
His comments suggest that Jahanara’s return has not been ruled out, but they do not guarantee her a place in the squad. After an extended absence from international cricket, she would need to demonstrate that she remains physically prepared and capable of performing at the required level.
Playing domestic cricket could provide an important route back into the competitive environment. It would allow Jahanara to test her form, assess her bowling rhythm and demonstrate her readiness to selectors. Her experience in Australia may also help her maintain match fitness, although her current level of performance will ultimately need to be assessed.
Jahanara made her international debut in 2011 and has since established herself as an experienced figure in Bangladesh women’s cricket. She has played 52 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 83 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for the country. She has also captained Bangladesh in seven T20Is and two ODIs.
Her international experience and leadership background could be valuable assets if she manages to regain a place in the national set-up. Nevertheless, her return would depend on more than her past achievements. Current form, fitness and the team’s requirements will all be important considerations.
For now, Jahanara’s expressed interest marks a possible first step towards resuming her career in Bangladesh. Whether that ambition develops into an international comeback remains to be seen, with the BCB’s selection process likely to determine her next opportunity.