Daijiworld Media Network – Dhaka

Dhaka, Nov 5: Senior Bangladesh women’s cricketer Jahanara Alam has made shocking allegations against national team captain Nigar Sultana, claiming that she “beats up juniors” and mistreats younger teammates.

In an explosive interview with Bangladesh daily Kaler Kantho, the 32-year-old pacer alleged that Sultana’s behaviour has created fear and resentment within the squad, even discouraging some players from representing the national side.

“This is nothing new. Jyoti (Nigar Sultana) beats up the juniors a lot. Even during this World Cup, the juniors told me, ‘No, I won’t do this again. Then I’ll have to get slapped again.’ Even during the Dubai tour, she called a junior into the room and slapped her,” Alam said.

Alam, who has taken 108 wickets across formats, was left out of the squad for the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2025 and has not featured for Bangladesh since December 2024.

She also accused the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of favouritism, alleging that only “one or two players” receive special treatment while others are sidelined. “I am not alone; everyone in the Bangladesh team is more or less a victim. One or two people get advanced facilities, and in some cases, only one person gets them,” she added.

The veteran cricketer further claimed that efforts to sideline senior players began in 2021, following the post-pandemic training camps.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has not yet issued an official response to Alam’s allegations.