Former Bangladesh left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak has walked away from his post on the men’s national selection panel, choosing instead to stand in next month’s Bangladesh Cricket Board elections.
Razzak, 43, picked up his nomination papers on 6 October and will contest a director’s seat from the Khulna region. His resignation was filed on Friday and accepted the same day. In practical terms, it trims the current selection group to only chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain, with a replacement yet to be named.
A durable international from 2004 to 2018, Razzak featured in 13 Tests, 153 one-day internationals and 34 T20Is. He still sits third on Bangladesh’s all-time ODI wicket list, a reminder of the mileage on his left arm. That experience persuaded the BCB to add him to the panel in early 2021 and, by most accounts, he settled quickly into the quieter but no less political world of player assessment.
Explaining the decision, Razzak said: “I had the honour of playing for the national team for 14 years and the privilege of serving as a national selector for over four years. I believe the time has come for me to step down from this position to explore the possibilities of contributing to the game that has given me so much, on a larger scale if the opportunity presents itself. I feel this is the right thing to do.”
The upcoming ballot contains 61 hopefuls chasing 23 elected director posts. Two further directors are appointed, and, from that 25-strong board, members then choose the next BCB president for a four-year term. Incumbent Aminul Islam will be challenged by former captain Tamim Iqbal, a contest that has already stirred polite corridor chat, if little outright campaigning.
Razzak’s exit leaves Ashraf to steer selections during a busy white-ball window. He paid tribute to his former colleague: “He was an invaluable member of the panel and brought his undoubted experience and vision to the selection process. We thank him for his contribution and wish him the very best for the future, which we hope will remain closely connected with Bangladesh cricket.”
Observers believe Razzak’s reputation in Khulna cricket circles gives him a realistic shot at boardroom entry. If elected, he would join a growing band of recently retired players transitioning into administration—an encouraging trend provided playing pedigree is matched by governance know-how.
For now, Bangladesh’s selectors are a man light, the electioneering has a new, recognisable face, and the familiar rhythm of cricket politics rolls on.
