Jahanara, currently in Australia, in The Riasat Azim You Tube channel on Thursday, that during the 2022 ICC Women's World Cup she received indecent proposals from members of the team management.
In a social media statement, former men’s team captain Tamim Iqbal strongly condemned the alleged misconduct and called for a fair and independent investigation.
He stated that every allegation raised by Jahanara is extremely grave, and if proven true, such behavior is completely unacceptable, not just because she is a national player or a former captain, but because no athlete, at any level, deserves to face harassment or mistreatment, regardless of gender or sport.
Tamim’s full status given below:
“The allegations raised by Jahanara Alam are all serious, and if they are true, they are completely unacceptable. This is not just because she is a national cricketer or a former captain, such behavior is unacceptable toward any cricketer at any level, any athlete in any sport, or any woman anywhere.
Although the BCB has formed a committee, I believe that these allegations should be investigated by an independent committee under the National Sports Council or governmental authority, where no one connected to the BCB will be included. This is necessary to ensure there is no scope for bias. This committee should be formed as soon as possible, and the matter should be given the highest priority.
The investigation must be completed quickly, and whoever is responsible, to whatever extent, must face appropriate and exemplary punishment.
A few days ago, Jahanara also raised concerns about the environment in the national team, which the BCB quickly dismissed. When a player makes such serious claims about the team, they should always be investigated. But the way the BCB dismissed them so quickly without inquiry was not right.
After Jahanara’s allegations, we have come to know of several other incidents through various sources. I want to request every woman cricketer, who at any time has been a victim of such behavior, whether directly or indirectly, whether clearly or subtly to speak up and come forward with courage. For the sake of the country's cricket, for the sake of our sports community, and for the sake of the current and future generations, this is necessary. I promise that you will have me and us by your side.
If proper action is not taken regarding Jahanara’s allegations, if justice is not ensured, then in the future, girls will be afraid to enter cricket or any sport, and they will hesitate to choose sports as a profession. We cannot allow that to happen.”
