Am I Harmanpreet Kaur? Nigar Sultana Responds to Assault Allegations

Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Nigar Sultana Joty has broken her silence after pacer Jahanara Alam accused her of physically assaulting junior players in the national team. Jahanara, who last represented Bangladesh in 2024, claimed that Sultana had repeatedly beaten younger teammates. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) strongly dismissed these allegations and expressed complete confidence in Sultana’s leadership and conduct. Responding to the controversy, Sultana took a sharp dig at India’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur, referencing the 2023 incident where Harmanpreet struck the stumps in anger during an ODI in Bangladesh.

“Why would I hit anyone? Am I Harmanpreet that I would go around hitting the stumps like that? Why would I do such a thing?” Sultana said in an interview with Daily Cricket. She clarified that she may hit her bat or helmet in her personal space out of frustration, but would never lay a hand on another player. Sultana further urged critics to verify the truth by speaking to her teammates, insisting she has never behaved violently on or off the field. The assault allegations continue to generate debate, but the BCB’s support and Sultana’s candid response have shifted the narrative, placing responsibility on the accusers to provide evidence.