Bangladesh Women’s Captain Hits Back at Ex-Teammate Over ‘Assaulting Juniors’ Rumours

Bangladesh Captain Nigar Sultana Joty Denies ‘Beating Juniors’ Allegations, Slams Ex-Teammate Jahanara Alam.

Dhaka: Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Nigar Sultana Joty has strongly refuted allegations made by former teammate Jahanara Alam, calling them “personal and baseless.” Joty said she was deeply hurt by what she described as “malicious rumours” intended to damage the team’s morale during one of its most successful phases.

In an interview with Kaler Kantho, Jahanara had claimed that Joty mistreated junior players, even going so far as to physically assault them. She also accused senior players Nahida Akter and Ritu Moni of conspiring with Joty to have her removed from the national squad. Jahanara alleged that several juniors felt intimidated by Joty and feared repercussions if they disobeyed her.

Joty Responds: ‘Painful to See Personal Grudges Overshadow Team Success’

Responding on Facebook, Joty said Jahanara’s remarks were an attempt to attract attention after being dropped from the team. She expressed disappointment that a former teammate was tarnishing the image of the national side at a time when Bangladesh women’s cricket is on the rise.

“Just because I’m not saying anything doesn’t mean I can’t speak,” Joty wrote. “It’s painful to see so many negative statements, personal grudges, and harsh language when the team is going through its best phase.”

She added that some players develop resentment after losing their place in the team. “When someone is dropped or goes out of form, suddenly everything about the team starts to seem bad to them. Respect goes to those who continue to trust and support this team,” she said.

Joty concluded by urging unity within the cricketing fraternity, saying temporary rumours should not derail the progress women’s cricket has made in Bangladesh.

BCB Steps In, Labels Claims ‘Deliberate and Malicious’

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also come out in Joty’s defence, dismissing Jahanara’s statements as “ill-intentioned and damaging.” “These remarks are clearly aimed at undermining the spirit and confidence of a team that continues to represent the nation with pride,” the BCB said in an official statement.

Under Joty’s leadership, Bangladesh finished seventh out of eight teams in the Women’s World Cup earlier this year, with a notable victory over Pakistan in their opening match in Colombo.