Faruque to resign after major BCB changes in selection process

Faruque Ahmed says he will step down as Bangladesh chief selector after the national cricket board announced major changes in the structure of its selection committee.

The BCB's decision to implement the two-tier selection process seems to have upset Faruque, currently in New York.

Before leaving the country, Faruque told his close acquaintances he would step down if the board abandons the 'conventional and proven' way of picking players and goes in for the new two-tier system of selection.

"It's not possible for me to work in this (selection) structure. The selectors should be working freely, but that freedom will be missing in the new system," Faruque told bdnews24.com in a conversation over the phone.

"If we are required to go to another committee after selecting the team, then it means our judgement counts for nothing."

As per the new structure, Faruque is supposed to be part of a three-member selection panel which complements the selection committee, a six-member unit including the head coach and team manager.

"We are all working for developing Bangladesh's cricket, which is the most important thing. If we devise a method through which our cricket standards drop rather than improve, it raises concerns," Faruque said.

"I believe nothing good can come out of the new process and also that this process will not last long.

"Whether I stay or not, with whomever (in selection committee), the previous process will return. But Bangladesh cricket may fall behind a bit by then."

Faruque said he might return home next month. If he is late, he is likely to send his resignation from the US.

He took office as chief selector this term on December 2013. Before that he held the post from 2003 to 2007.

The present Bangladesh team, selected by Faruque, have won kudos by their stellar performances, especially against India and Pakistan who they defeated.