Dhaka, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the roster for their first-ever women's tour of the West Indies, which will include three ODIs and three T20Is, commencing on January 19. Nigar Sultana will lead the team during this tour, while fast bowler Jahanara Alam has decided to take an indefinite break from cricket due to mental health challenges.

"She submitted a letter indicating that she was not mentally prepared to play and has opted for a two-month break from cricket," said Habibul Bashar, the head of the BCB women's division, during an interview with Cricbuzz. "She even mentioned that if necessary, she should not be retained under contract. We must respect her decision because if someone feels unprepared mentally and wishes to take a break, we should support that. There is no specific timeline for her absence; she will inform us once she feels ready to return," he elaborated.

Jahanara, who has played in 52 ODIs and 83 T20Is, made her comeback to the Bangladesh team in July 2024 after a year-long hiatus. Even though she was included in the T20 World Cup team, she did not participate in any matches. Her last appearance was during Bangladesh's home series against Ireland, where she only played in the T20Is, being left out of the ODIs. Lata Mondal and Fariha Islam have been brought back into the ODI squad, while Jahanara and Ritu Moni have been omitted. In the T20I format, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Lata Mondal, and Farzana Hoque have returned, while Ritu Moni, Jahanara Alam, and Jannatul Ferdous have been excluded.

Vice-captain Nahida Akhter expressed her excitement, drawing motivation from the recent successful tour of the men's team in the West Indies.

"I am really excited; this is my first time going to the West Indies. The men's team has just returned after a successful tour there, and I hope we can achieve something good as well," said Rabeya Khan. "We need the four points to secure our place in the Women's World Cup. That is our objective – to win the ODIs there," she concluded.

All matches during this tour are set to take place at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts. The Bangladesh team is scheduled to arrive in St. Kitts on January 14. The ODIs will occur on January 19, 21, and 24, followed by three T20Is slated for January 27, 29, and 31.

This ODI series is crucial as both teams compete for essential ICC Women's Championship points that will help them secure direct qualification for the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup in India.

Bangladesh currently holds the seventh position in the standings with 19 points, just outside the automatic qualification zone. In contrast, the West Indies are in ninth place with 14 points. With only three matches remaining, both teams are eager to seize the last direct qualification slot.

Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Lata Mondol, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Farzana Haque, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter