Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has launched a formal inquiry after former national women’s team captain Jahanara Alam accused several current and former board officials of sexual harassment, including during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.

In a recent interview on a YouTube channel, the 32-year-old fast bowler alleged that Manjurul Islam, who served as team manager and selector at the time, had behaved inappropriately with her and other players.

Jahanara claimed that Manjurul “made inappropriate physical contact,” saying he would “hug or press female players to his chest” under the guise of encouragement.

Manjurul, 46, a former Bangladesh cricketer who is currently in China, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.” “You can ask other girls in the team. This is all false,” he told local media.

Jahanara, who has represented Bangladesh in over 130 white-ball matches, also alleged that she had previously written to the BCB to report such behaviour but that her complaints had been ignored.

In a statement released late Thursday, the BCB said it had taken the allegations “seriously” and announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the matter. The panel has been directed to submit its findings within 15 working days.

“The BCB is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all players and staff,” the board said in its statement.

BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain said the board had “no option but to investigate” the claims given their gravity.

Jahanara also recently accused team captain Nigar Sultana of physically assaulting junior players, adding to the growing turbulence surrounding the women’s team.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate in Bangladesh’s cricketing circles, with calls for stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms for women athletes.