NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken strong action against former women’s team selector Monjurul Islam after serious misconduct allegations were raised by former women’s captain Jahanara Alam. Following an investigation, the board has banned Monjurul from any cricket-related role under the BCB, either directly or indirectly. The inquiry committee looked into four allegations linked to an incident during the 2022 Women’s World Cup.

While two claims could not be proven due to lack of evidence, the panel found initial proof of inappropriate behaviour in the other two cases and said his conduct fell under harassment and misconduct rules.The BCB confirmed the decision in a statement, saying, “Based on the findings of the Independent Inquiry Committee formed by the BCB to examine the complaint lodged by former Bangladesh Women’s National Team Captain Jahanara Alam, the Board has decided to impose a ban on former national cricketer Monjurul Islam from all forms of direct or indirect employment and/or cricket-related activities under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.” The board added that it is still reviewing the committee’s recommendations and may take further steps, stating, “The BCB is reviewing the recommendations of the Committee and will take any additional measures deemed necessary in light of the report.”Monjurul had already completed his contract with the BCB in June 2025, but the board said his behaviour did not meet professional standards.In the same meeting, the BCB announced the schedule for the first-ever Women’s Bangladesh Premier League, which will be played from April 4 to 14, 2026, in Dhaka and Chattogram. The board also gave a one-month extension to chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain while they search for his replacement. Explaining this, the BCB said, “In view of his intention to step down at the end of his tenure as Chairman National Selection Panel, the Board has decided to offer a one-month extension to Gazi Ashraf Hossain. During this period, the Board will work on finding his successor and reorganisation of the panel.”

A file image of India’s Harmanpreet Kaur.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s captain Smriti Mandhana and teammate Georgia Voll (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

The Women’s Premier League has quickly established itself as a landmark tournament in women’s cricket, delivering high-quality competition, packed stadiums and memorable finals since its inception in 2023. In just four editions, the league has already produced a clear pattern of dominance, heartbreak and recurring rivalries.Mumbai Indians were the inaugural champions in 2023, setting the benchmark in the league’s first season. Led by a balanced squad and strong leadership, MI defeated Delhi Capitals in the final, beginning a trend that would see DC repeatedly fall short on the biggest stage.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru broke through in 2024, claiming their maiden WPL title by once again denying Delhi Capitals in the final. That defeat marked DC’s second straight runner-up finish, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most consistent teams without silverware.WPL winners list2023 – Mumbai Indians (Runner-up: Delhi Capitals)2024 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Runner-up: Delhi Capitals)2025 – Mumbai Indians (Runner-up: Delhi Capitals)2026 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Runner-up: Delhi Capitals)Mumbai Indians returned to the summit in 2025, lifting their second trophy and reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in the competition. For Delhi Capitals, the disappointment deepened as they finished runners-up for the third time in as many finals.The 2026 season followed a familiar script. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, inspired by captain Smriti Mandhana, lifted their second WPL title with a commanding six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the final. Mandhana’s magnificent 87 off 41 balls, combined with Georgia Voll’s fluent 79 in a record 165-run stand, powered RCB to a memorable chase of 203. The victory also saw RCB draw level with Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in WPL history.Despite valiant efforts from Jemimah Rodrigues, Chinelle Henry, Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee, Delhi Capitals once again stumbled at the final hurdle, finishing runners-up for the fourth time in four finals.