BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu appears to be unwilling to extend his contract with the board after the completion of his current two-year contract.

Lipu replaced Minhajul Abedin Nannu as chief selector in February 2024 and his current contract ends on February 28. Lipu confirmed that he had sent the board an email on February 5, stating his wish to not continue for another two-year stint.

“Board looks for people for two-year term, keeping sight on World Cup events such as the next T20 World Cup and there is also an ODI World Cup in 2027. From that point of view, I am preoccupied and I will not be taking on that role in case I am considered. I expressed that I am in no position to go for long-term contract,” Lipu informed The Daily Star.

While Lipu feels that he could be available till December this year, he will still be travelling a lot this year.

“I wrote that I will be preoccupied from January 27 with personal and family affairs so I will not be available. This year I will be available till December but I would still be out of the country during this period for 6-7 weeks for vacation,” Lipu informed.

“If BCB wants to talk about a shorter span, I am willing to discuss. Otherwise I am very happy and ready to quit on February 28,” he added.

For now, the board has acknowledged Lipu’s email and it is assumed that the board will hold talks with the chief selector if BCB wants to extend for a short period.

Bangladesh's first ODI captain, Lipu, is a former BCB director and also served as the team manager during Bangladesh's first World Cup appearance in 1999.