Resignation announcement
Former Bangladesh left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak has stepped down from his role as a national selector to contest the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, scheduled for October 6. He confirmed the decision to Cricbuzz after submitting his nomination papers from Category 1 to represent Khulna Division.
“I have resigned from the selectors post to join the BCB election,” Razzak told Cricbuzz.
“I served this nation as a player and a selector and now want to take the new challenge that lies ahead by joining the board of directors if elected,” he added.
Career and service as selector
Razzak was appointed to the national selection panel in January 2021, bringing to the role the experience of more than a decade of international cricket. He remains Bangladesh’s all-time leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket and was the first bowler from the country to reach 200 wickets in One Day Internationals.
In a statement, Razzak reflected on his journey in cricket. “I had the honour of playing for the national team for 14 years and the privilege of serving as a national selector for over four years. I believe the time has come for me to step down from this position to explore the possibilities of contributing to the game that has given me so much, on a larger scale if the opportunity presents itself. I feel this is the right thing to do.”
BCB election process
The BCB Election Commission announced on September 26 the final voter list of 191 councillors for the upcoming polls. The list included 15 Dhaka-based clubs that were reinstated after initially being excluded due to ongoing Anti-Corruption Commission investigations. Councillorships of five districts—Sylhet, Bogura, Pabna, Sirajganj, and Naogaon—were also granted, while Narsingdi remained vacant.
Nomination forms for director positions were distributed from the BCB office starting September 27, with submissions due the following day. In total, 25 directors will be elected: 12 from clubs, 10 from divisions and districts, two nominated by the National Sports Council, and one from Category 3, representing other organizations.
Reactions from cricket board
Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, chairman of the national selection panel, acknowledged Razzak’s contributions in a statement: “He was an invaluable member of the panel and brought his undoubted experience and vision to the selection process. We thank him for his contribution and wish him the very best for the future, which we hope will remain closely connected with Bangladesh cricket.”
What’s next
The BCB elections on October 6 will determine the new board of directors and, ultimately, the president of the country’s cricket governing body. If elected, Razzak will transition from a national selector to a policymaker, extending his influence from the field and selection table to the boardroom.
