Earlier this week, the 31-year-old veteran pacer from Bangladesh, Jahanara Alam opted for an indefinite break from international cricket, citing her mental health as the reason for her decision. As a result, she wasn’t picked in the senior squad for their upcoming historic first-ever bilateral series against the West Indies from 19th January 2025 (Sunday). It will include a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series till 31st January 2025.
Jahanara Alam on her break from international cricket specified that she’s open to participating in franchise cricket, provided the board grants the No Objection Certificate (NOC). She also indicated that there’s no specific time frame for her return to international cricket.
She said, “I did not take a break from all kinds of cricket, I took a break only from the Bangladesh national team for a while. I will also play in domestic cricket in Bangladesh, and I have let them know that as well. And I will also play all kinds of franchise cricket if I’m given the NOC. I will play all kinds of cricket. It depends on me when I will return.”
Alam’s decision to step away from international cricket gave rise to numerous speculations, especially in the cricket fraternity in Bangladesh. A few of them speculated about her differences with the current head coach of the Bangladesh Women’s team Hashan Tillakaratne on the grounds of inconsistency in selection.
However, the pacer clarified the rumours of a rift between her and the senior women’s team head coach, stating, “No, nothing like that. If there was any issue like that, then I would think of getting into the team later since I was out for a while. There’s no man-to-man issue for me and nothing like that. If you think that was the reason, no. I could have taken this decision long before since I faced a more difficult situation and I came back strongly.”
Over the years, Alam has been regarded as the face of Bangladesh cricket in the women’s game, since making her international debut against Ireland in an ODI on 26th November 2011. She has picked up 48 wickets at an average of 30.39 and an impressive economy of 4.26 in 52 innings.
Her best performance with the ball for her side in the format came on 10th November 2021 in the 1st ODI against Zimbabwe when she returned with impressive match figures of 6-1-18-3 in her spell at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Besides her contribution with the ball, she has also scored 185 runs in 36 innings with the bat for her side in the format.
She made her T20I debut on 28th August 2012 against Ireland and has picked up 60 wickets at an average of 24.03 and an impressive economy of 5.69 in 83 innings with the ball. Her tally of wickets includes one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul in the format, so far.
Her best performance with the ball for her side in the format came on 28th June 2018 in the 1st T20I against Ireland when she returned with outstanding match figures (4-0-28-5) in her spell at YMCA Cricket Club, Dublin.
After her appearance in the 8th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023 in South Africa, she was away from action for over a year, due to several possible reasons. She made a return to the side in July 2024 and was also included in the squad for the 9th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024 in the UAE, hosted by Bangladesh. However, she did not feature in any of the games for her side in the tournament.
Despite her impressive performances at the domestic level, with 25 wickets in 9 innings at an impressive average of 8.88 and an economy of 3.12 in list A cricket. She hasn’t been a regular feature in the side of late.
Alam provided an update about her mental health, while also speaking about her involvement with the Sydney Cricket Club in Australia as a player as well as a potential mentor for the fast bowlers in the set-up.
She shared, “Alhamdulillah, I’m feeling better. I’m really so happy. I’m currently playing for Sydney Cricket Club here which is in the first grade Premier League, you can say. Also, I’m assuming the coaching role, helping the fast bowlers here. That’s my update. I got a scholarship here.”
(Quotes sourced from Cricbuzz)
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