India's Tour of Bangladesh in doubt amid political concerns, BCB waits on BCCI's word

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam has said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is awaiting government clearance regarding their scheduled tour of Bangladesh in August. India were supposed to play three ODIs and three T20Is, starting from August 17, but the political situation may delay or cancel the white-ball series.

 

BCB had their 19th board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday (June 30). After the meeting, Animul, 

 

"We're having positive discussions with the BCCI. It’s not like (hosting India) in August or September. We are discussing how we can do the series and if we cannot host it now, we will do it at another possible time."

 

The BCB remains hopeful that even if the series cannot happen in August, they will be able to host India at a later date. A final decision is expected once BCCI receives the required clearance from the Indian government.

 

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Simon Taufel Joins BCB Umpiring Setup, Women Selector on the Cards

 

In another notable move, former ICC elite panel umpire Simon Taufel has been roped in by the BCB on a three-year contract to lead umpire education in the country. Aminul confirmed,

 

“We’ve nearly finalised the agreement with Simon, and he, along with his team, will work to educate our umpires.”

 

Additionally, the board is planning to strengthen both the men’s and women’s selection panels. Aminul said,

 

“We have decided to include women selectors for the national women's team soon.”

 

Sazzad Ahmed currently serves as the lone selector for the women’s side. For the men’s team, BCB aims to add another selector alongside Gazi Ashraf and Abdur Razzak. The board also confirmed that the next BPL will be held in December-January and that they are in talks with leading event management companies for a five-year franchise cycle.