BCCI is awaiting government clearance to tour Bangladesh: BCB president

Aminul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is waiting for their government's decision on the upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh are scheduled to host India for three ODIs and as many T20Is from August 17 but that looks highly unlikely under the present political situation.

BCB president was wishful that even if they cannot host India in August, they are hopeful to host the cricketing giants in the coming days.

"We're having positive discussions with the BCCI," Aminul told the media following the 19th board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday (June 30).

"It's not like (hosting India) in August or September, we are having discussions how we can do the series and if we cannot host it now we will do it at another possible time. They (BCCI) are waiting for some government clearance," he added.

In another significant move, BCB has appointed former elite ICC umpire Simon Taufel to lead umpire education in Bangladesh on a three-year contract. "We've nearly finalised the agreement with Simon, and he, along with his team, will work to educate our umpires," Aminul said.

BCB said that they are also eyeing to include a woman selector as well. Currently, Sazzad Ahmed serves as the lone selector for the women's team. "We have decided to include women selectors for the national women's team soon," Aminul said after the meeting, adding that they are also looking to expand the national selection panel by including another selector.

Currently Gazi Ashraf and Abdur Razzak form the two-member men's selection panel. "We are also looking to add another selector in the national selection panel as it is difficult for two selectors to cover everything," said Animul.

BCB further mentioned that they are planning to host the next edition of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in December-January.

The board rounded off the meeting also announced to include an event management company for BPL. It is understood that they are in talks with some of the leading sports event management company for the tournament that will start a new cycle from upcoming edition. Franchises are expected to have five-year agreements with the board for the next cycle.