'Devoid of any truth' - BCB refutes Jahanara Alam's allegations of physical abuse against Nigar Sultana

Published - 05 Nov 2025, 15:19 IST | Updated - 05 Nov 2025, 15:36 IST

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly refuted allegations of physical abuse made by fast bowler Jahanara Alam against current national women’s team captain Nigar Sultana Joty. Alam, who has not featured in international cricket since December 2024, claimed in an interview with the Bangladeshi newspaper Kaler Kantho that Sultana had physically assaulted some of her teammates.

Sultana recently led Bangladesh in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The team finished seventh out of eight, securing their only victory against Pakistan but putting up competitive performances against England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

"The BCB categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth. The Board finds it unfortunate that such derogatory and scandalous claims have been made at a time when the Bangladesh Women's Team is showing commendable progress and unity on the international stage. The Board believes that the timing and nature of these comments are deliberate, ill-intentioned and seemingly aimed at undermining the spirit and confidence of a team that continues to represent the country with pride,” said the board in a statement as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“It is deeply disappointing that an individual who currently has no involvement or relevance in the plans of Bangladesh cricket has chosen to make such misleading statements in public. The BCB wishes to make it clear that it has complete trust and confidence in the Women's National Team's leadership, players and management. The Board has found no evidence to support any of the claims made and stands firmly behind the team and its personnel,” it added.

Sultana had a solid individual campaign at the World Cup, scoring 150 runs and leading the side with composure during challenging phases. In her ODI career so far, she has accumulated 1,474 runs in 60 innings. The Bangladesh Women’s team is currently on a rest period following the World Cup but is scheduled to tour world champions India Women in December for a white-ball series.