Khaled Mahmud surprised by Gazi Ashraf‍‍`s appointment as chief selector

Khaled Mahmud, vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)‍‍`s Cricket Operations Department, expressed surprise on Tuesday at the appointment of Gazi Ashraf as the new chief selector of the national team.

“It was really surprising for me. I hadn‍‍`t heard his name as a candidate. Many other names were doing the rounds, but I didn‍‍`t hear his,” Mahmud told reporters in Dhaka.

Mahmud said he expected to be informed about the appointment of the chief selector as he is the vice-chairman of the Cricket Operations Department.

“Though I’m the vice-chairman of the cricket operation, I didn‍‍`t know that we were appointing a new selector. It’s a surprising move. I even don’t know why I should be at this position,” he said.

Mahmud, however, said he has no doubt about Ashraf‍‍`s cricketing knowledge and ability.

“I have no doubt about Lipu bhai‍‍`s (Ashraf) cricketing knowledge,” he said. “He is a very senior cricketer and has been involved with cricket for a long time. He has captained the national team. So, there is no question about his cricketing knowledge," he said.

Mahmud also said he is hopeful that Ashraf will be able to do a good job as the chief selector.

“He has a good cricketing brain and is a very intelligent person. I am sure he will be able to work well with the other selectors and the coaching staff,” he said.

Ashraf, a former Bangladesh captain, was appointed as the chief selector on Monday. He replaced Minhajul Abedin, who had been in the role since 2016.

Mahmud also expressed his satisfaction with the inclusion of Hannan Sarkar in the selection panel.

“I am very happy that Hannan has been included in the selection panel. He is very experienced and has a good understanding of the game. He will be a valuable asset to the selection panel,” he said.

Ashraf will take over the role of the chief selector soon for a two-year tenure. In panel, the other two members are Hannan Sarkar and Abdur Razzak.