Jahanara Alam Says She "Just Took a Break From Bangladesh National Team

Bangladesh pacer Jahanara Alam recently opened up about her decision to step away from the national team, citing the need for a mental health break. Her announcement sheds light on the growing challenges athletes face juggling the pressures of international cricket.

Taking a Break: The Reason Behind Jahanara's Decision

Jahanara Alam revealed that her decision to take a break was not a complete withdrawal from cricket but specifically from her commitments to the Bangladesh national team. Speaking to billy 777 earning app, she clarified,

"I did not take a break from all kinds of cricket, I took a break only from the Bangladesh national team for a while."

Her decision came after years of continuous cricket that took a toll on her mental health. The pacer emphasized the cognitive aspects of the game, stating,

"We play cricket with only 10 percent of our skill, and the rest is a mental game. Everything is related to that. I needed a break mentally."

Staying Active in Cricket

Despite her break from the national team, Jahanara has remained active in cricket. She plays for the Sydney Cricket Club in Australia’s first-grade Premier League. In addition to playing a role, she has also taken up coaching responsibilities, mentoring fast bowlers at the club.

"I’m currently playing for Sydney Cricket Club... I’m also assuming the coaching role, helping the fast bowlers here. I got a scholarship here," she shared.

She plans to participate in domestic cricket in Bangladesh and remain available for franchise leagues. She receives the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Addressing Speculation: No Rift with the Head Coach

There has been speculation that Jahanara’s decision might be linked to disagreements with head coach Hashan Tillakaratne. Reports suggested she felt overlooked for the playing XI despite strong performances in domestic cricket. However, Jahanara dismissed these claims, stating,

"No, nothing like that. If there was any issue like that, 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."

She also reflected on past challenges, notably during the 2022 Women’s World Cup, where she endured significant difficulties but returned stronger.

Mental Health and Seniority in Cricket

Jahanara Alam, a veteran with 16 years of experience in the national team, believes her break was well-deserved. She highlighted the importance of senior players taking time to recharge, especially after years of continuous commitment. "I’ve been playing for the national team for 16 years... I can take a break and at least deserve that, no?"

The pacer also mentioned that she had communicated her decision informally to the BCB, requesting to be excluded from the central contract during her hiatus.

"I told them over the phone that I am taking a break and will try to come back. When I talked with Sumon (BCB women’s wing in-charge), he said, ‘It’s okay, you want a rest, and we have nothing to say here since it’s your personal matter.’"

Future Plans: A Return on Her Terms

While Jahanara has not set a specific timeframe for her return, she remains focused on proving her worth through performances in domestic cricket. She reassured fans that she is feeling better and is optimistic about the future,

"Alhamdulillah, I’m feeling better. I’m really so happy." Her journey highlights the need for mental health awareness in sports and the value of taking breaks to ensure long-term well-being.

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In The Last

Jahanara Alam’s decision to prioritize her mental health reflects a growing trend among athletes who recognize the importance of balancing mental well-being with professional responsibilities.

By staying active in other cricketing avenues and maintaining open communication with the BCB, Jahanara has set an example of resilience and self-care. As she prepares for her eventual return, her story reminds her of the challenges and sacrifices behind the scenes of professional sports.