On Monday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that Jahanara Alam, the country’s leading women’s pace bowler, has taken an indefinite break from cricket to focus on her mental health. This decision highlights the growing importance of mental well-being in sports.

Jahanara's Decision: Prioritizing Mental Health

Jahanara Alam informed the BCB of her decision through a formal letter explaining her mental readiness to continue playing cricket.

"She had given us a letter stating that she was not mentally ready to play and took a break from cricket for two months," said Habibul Bashar, the BCB women’s wing in charge, during an interview with bet pro exchange on Tuesday.

"She even said that if necessary, she should not be kept in the contract. We need to respect that because if someone feels that she is not mentally ready and wants to take a break for some days, we need to accept that. There is no specific time frame for which she is out. Whenever she feels well, she will let us know," Bashar added.

Jahanara Alam’s Career Overview

Jahanara Alam has been crucial to the Bangladesh women's cricket team. She has played 52 ODIs and 83 T20Is throughout her career. After a year-long absence, she returned to the national squad in July 2024 and was included in the T20 World Cup squad. However, she was not featured in any matches during the tournament.

She last played during Bangladesh's home series against Ireland, participating only in the T20Is while being benched for the ODIs. Despite her remarkable contributions to the team in the past, Jahanara's current focus on her mental well-being takes precedence.

Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team Prepares for First West Indies Tour

A Historic Tour with High Stakes

The Bangladesh women’s cricket team is set for its inaugural tour of the West Indies. This crucial tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is, all scheduled to be played at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

The Nigar Sultana-led squad is expected to arrive in St. Kitts on January 14, with the ODIs scheduled for January 19, 21, and 24. These matches hold significant importance, as both teams are vying for critical ICC Women’s Championship points, essential for direct qualification for the 50-over Women’s World Cup in India later this year.

Following the ODI series, the teams will compete in a three-match T20I series on January 27, 29, and 31.

Squad Updates: New Faces and Key Omissions

BCB announced a reshuffled squad for the West Indies tour, with notable inclusions and exclusions:

• Returning Players: Lata Mondal and Fariha Islam have been recalled for the ODI squad, while Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, and Farzana Haque rejoin the T20I lineup.
• Excluded Players: Jahanara Alam, Ritu Moni, and Jannatul Ferdous were not included in the squad.

Vice-captain Nahida Akhter expressed optimism about the upcoming tour, drawing inspiration from the men's team's recent success in the West Indies.

"Really excited, going to West Indies for the first time. The men's team just returned after a successful tour there. Hopefully, we'll do something good as well," she said.

High Stakes for World Cup Qualification

Bangladesh must secure the ODI series to strengthen their position in the ICC Women’s Championship standings and ensure direct qualification for the Women’s World Cup.

Rabeya Khan shared her expectations: "We really need the four points to qualify for the Women's World Cup. That's our goal - to win the ODIs there."

Bangladesh Women's Team Squad for West Indies Tour

ODI Squad

• Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain)
• Nahida Akhter (Vice-Captain)
• Murshida Khatun
• Dilara Akter
• Sharmin Akter Supta
• Sobhana Mostary
• Shorna Akter
• Lata Mondal
• Rabeya
• Fahima Khatun
• Fariha Islam Trisna
• Sultana Khatun
• Farzana Haque
• Taj Nehar
• Shanjida Akther Maghla
• Marufa Akter

T20I Squad

• Same as above, excluding Ritu Moni, Jahanara Alam, and Jannatul Ferdous