Country’s leading women’s pace bowler Jahanara Alam took a break from cricket for an indefinite period for mental health issues, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official said on Monday.

Jahanara played 52 ODIs and 83 T20Is in her career so far while she returned to the side after one year’s absence in July 2024. She was included in the T20 World Cup squad but did not feature in any game. 

Jahanara was the part of Bangladesh’s last home series against Ireland where she played in the T20Is only and was benched during the ODIs. 

“She had given us a letter that she is not mentally to play and took a break from cricket for two months. She even said that if necessary she should not be kept in the contract. Basically she is taking herself out from everything for some time," BCB women’s wing in-charge Habibul Bashar confirmed to Daily Sun on Monday.

"We need to respect that because if someone feels that she is not mentally unwell and wants leave for some days we need to accept that,” he added.

“There is no specific time frame and when she will feel well she will let us know,” he further said, suggesting that the break can be for an indefinite period.