Dhaka: Bangladesh Women's team pacer Jahanara Alam has taken an indefinite break from cricket, citing mental health issues, as stated by BCB women's team chief selector Shazzad Ahmed Shipon. Jahanara expressed her decision through a formal letter, which the board has approved, indicating hopes for her return through domestic cricket engagements.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BCB has excluded Jahanara from the squad for the Bangladesh Women's team's inaugural tour of the West Indies. Jahanara, who has played 52 ODIs and 83 T20Is in her career, made a comeback to the side in July 2024 after a year-long absence. Although she was included in the T20 World Cup squad, she did not participate in any matches and only played in the T20 series during Bangladesh's last home series against Ireland, being benched during the ODIs.
Shipon expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming West Indies tour, where Bangladesh is set to play three ODIs and three T20Is. The ODI series is particularly significant as both teams vie for crucial ICC Women's Championship points, which are essential for direct qualification to the 50-over World Cup in India later this year. "We are really excited. We have the opportunity to have a direct qualification to the World Cup. We have to win a minimum of two matches. We are hopeful about our chance," he stated.