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[Saba Sports News] Following the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan’s announcement at a press conference of Gazi Ashraf Hossain’s appointment as the chief selector for the national cricket team for the next two years, the cricket community was taken by surprise. Ashraf’s re-entry into the BCB scene was unexpected, given his previous roles within the organization and his subsequent detachment from direct cricketing activities after losing a board director election to Khaled Mahmud in 2013.
Khaled Mahmud, now Vice-President of BCB cricket operations, expressed his astonishment over the appointment, indicating he was unaware of the decision. This sentiment was echoed by BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus, who explained that the selection process for the chief selector was confidentially managed by Nazmul Hasan. The decision, proposed during a board meeting, caught several board directors off guard, as they were not consulted prior to the approval of Ashraf’s appointment.
Despite the initial shock, it’s clear that Ashraf’s role will extend beyond that of a typical chief selector. With privileges akin to those of a board director, his appointment blurs the lines between administrative and selection duties within the BCB. BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed that Ashraf would enjoy certain director-level facilities, reflecting his significant experience and stature.
The distinction between the privileges of a board director and those of a selector has been a topic of discussion. Former BCB director Dewan Shafiul Arefin Tutul clarified that the benefits afforded to board directors and selectors are not explicitly outlined in the BCB constitution and can vary according to the board’s HR policies. However, equating a selector’s privileges with those of a board director without formal board approval raises questions about the governance and organizational structure within the BCB.
Ashraf’s appointment and the privileges it entails signify a nuanced blend of administrative and cricketing roles, marking a significant development in the BCB’s operational dynamics.