Former Bangladesh Captain Jahanara Alam Opens Up About Mental Breakdown During 2024 T20 World Cup

Jahanara Alam, the former Bangladesh captain, has revealed that she experienced a mental breakdown during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE. The emotional turmoil led her to take a break from international cricket.

Incident That Led to Her Decision

Jahanara recounted an incident during the tournament where a junior cricketer was subjected to mental harassment. She alleged that the player was thrown out of the ground after being told to "get lost from the ground immediately." The incident left her feeling unbearable and unable to take it anymore.

Mental Health Issues

Jahanara revealed that her mental struggles weren't limited to the World Cup. She had been experiencing mental stress for three or four years, which intensified in the last 18 months. She felt like an outsider within the team environment and was having nightmares.

Career Battles

Jahanara spoke of the inner battles she's faced throughout her career. She felt like giving up cricket three times, but each time she managed to come back. However, after the World Cup, she reached a point of no return and needed a break.

New Beginnings

Jahanara is now certified with a Level 2 coaching badge from Cricket Australia. She plans to return to Bangladesh soon and resume domestic cricket, with coaching also on the horizon. She aims to play cricket for the next couple of years and is considering coaching as an option for her future profession.