Bangladesh Women’s Cricket in Turmoil: Skipper Nigar Sultana Accused of ‘Toxic’ Behaviour by Senior Bowler Jahanara Alam
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket in Turmoil: Skipper Nigar Sultana Accused of ‘Toxic’ Behaviour by Senior Bowler Jahanara Alam
Dhaka, November 6, 2025: A major controversy has rocked Bangladesh women’s cricket as veteran fast bowler Jahanara Alam accused team captain Nigar Sultana Joty of creating a “toxic environment” within the national squad. In a shocking revelation, Jahanara alleged that the skipper has repeatedly slapped junior players and used verbal abuse, leaving many cricketers “mentally broken and scared.”
The explosive claims came as part of a growing rift within the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, which has been quietly simmering over the past few months. According to Jahanara, Nigar Sultana’s behaviour has gone unchecked by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), even after multiple complaints from players about her alleged physical and mental harassment.
‘A culture of fear inside the dressing room’
Jahanara, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players with more than a decade of international experience, said that young players are being bullied and humiliated by the captain. She described the team atmosphere as “toxic” and claimed that some of the junior members were too frightened to speak out, fearing they would be dropped from the national side.
“The captain thinks she owns the team,” Jahanara reportedly told close associates. “She insults players in front of everyone, sometimes even slaps them for small mistakes during training. Many of them cry silently, but no one dares to speak because they know what will happen if they do.”
While Nigar Sultana is yet to respond publicly, sources within the team have hinted that the situation has reached a breaking point, with several players demanding that the BCB take immediate action to protect the mental well-being of the squad.
BCB faces mounting pressure
The Bangladesh Cricket Board now finds itself in a difficult position. The governing body has been accused in the past of ignoring internal disputes within the women’s setup, and critics argue that the current scandal reflects deeper structural problems.
An internal probe is reportedly being considered after Jahanara’s allegations became public. BCB insiders suggest that a few senior officials were already aware of the captain’s behaviour but avoided confrontation in order to maintain team stability.
Cricket analysts believe that the controversy could not have come at a worse time for Bangladesh cricket, which has been making steady progress on the international stage. The women’s team, once hailed as a symbol of resilience, now faces intense scrutiny over its internal culture and leadership.
Team divided over leadership
While Jahanara’s claims have drawn support from some senior players, others within the squad have chosen to stay silent, likely fearing backlash. Reports indicate that a few cricketers are backing Nigar Sultana, saying her “strict leadership” has been misunderstood and that discipline is often mistaken for bullying.
However, Jahanara has maintained that the issue is not about discipline but about basic respect and human dignity. She said that no player, regardless of rank or performance, deserves to be physically or emotionally mistreated by the team captain.
“This is not leadership; this is abuse,” she said, adding that the long-term impact on the morale of young players could be devastating if the behaviour continues unchecked.
A pattern of silence in women’s cricket
The allegations against Nigar Sultana have once again highlighted the often-overlooked power dynamics in women’s sports, especially in developing cricketing nations. Many female athletes in South Asia face barriers to speaking out against authority figures due to cultural and institutional pressures.
Jahanara’s decision to come forward has been described as a “brave move” by fans and women’s rights advocates, who say that transparency and accountability are essential for the growth of the game.
What’s next for Bangladesh women’s cricket?
The controversy threatens to overshadow the team’s upcoming international fixtures. If the BCB confirms a formal inquiry, both Jahanara and Nigar Sultana may be questioned, and disciplinary action could follow depending on the findings.
For now, the dressing room remains divided, and public confidence in the team’s management has been shaken. The coming weeks will determine whether Bangladesh women’s cricket can restore harmony — or if the rift will deepen further.
