BCB selectors get zonal duty

The newly formed four-member national selection panel has been assigned zonal responsibilities alongside their regular duties, informed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. 

The board on Monday announced the panel, headed by Habibul Bashar, with its tenure running until the selection of Bangladesh’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in Africa in October-November.

“The major change in this selection panel is that while the four selectors will pick the national team, ‘A’ team and High Performance (HP) squad, each of them will also be responsible for a specific region,” Fahim told The Daily Star on Wednesday.

“We have divided the country into North, South, East and Central zones, and each selector will oversee selection-related activities in one of those zones,” he added.

Fahim explained that the move is aimed at decentralising the selection process and creating a sense of ownership at the regional level.

“Previously, teams were formed centrally, which often meant there was no local ownership. Now, the assigned selector will work closely with regional coaches, district associations and other stakeholders to create a better environment.

“This will encourage greater accountability. When someone is given specific responsibility, they will be more focused and motivated to ensure their region performs well. It is part of our gradual shift towards a regional structure. They will not only build senior teams but also monitor all levels within their regions to establish a structured system,” he added.

According to the Fahim, Habibul will oversee South Zone (Khulna and Barishal), Hasibul Hossain will be in charge of East Zone (Sylhet and Chattogram), Naeem Islam will look after North Zone (Rangpur and Rajshahi), while Nadif Chowdhury will supervise Central Zone (Dhaka and Mymensingh).

“They have all played in these regions and understand the local structure well. Their role will be to identify talent, fast-track promising players and monitor their progress,” Fahim said, adding that the selectors will also stay connected with age-level cricket.

“There is already a separate committee for age-level selection, but these selectors will remain aligned with them to ensure better coordination.”

Fahim also emphasised the importance of unity among all stakeholders.

“At times, individuals may want their opinions to take precedence, but by the end of the previous panel’s tenure, a strong relationship had developed between the players, captain, coach and selectors. That is crucial for performance.

“This time, we want the captain, team management, board and selection panel to work together on the same platform towards a common goal.”