Former pacer Manjural Islam appointed as Bangladesh chief selector

Former left-arm pace bowler Manjural Islam has been appointed as the chief selector of the senior national women’s team, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed. The post which was earlier held by Atahar Ali has been vacant since he was removed due to his commitments as an international commentator.



According to BCB women’s wing chairman Nadel Chowdhury, Manjural’s tenure is expected to start from next month. “We have appointed Manju (Manjural) as our selector for national women’s team,” Nadel was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz. “He is appointed for one year and his tenure is expected to start from November. We will assess his performance before extending his contract further.”



The 40-year-old has played 17 Tests and 34 ODIs for Bangladesh from 1999 to 2004 before his international career was cut short as he decided to join the rebel Indian Cricket League in 2008. He was out of national colours for four years at that time.



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Manjural, who has a Test-best of 6/81, later worked as an Asian Cricket Council development coach in China before returning back home and managing several teams in domestic competitions in Bangladesh. “I have been contacted by BCB asking me whether I am interested or not and I replied on a positive note,” Manjural admitted, stating he is looking forward to taking the challenge.



“I am eager to work with BCB for a long time and if that is the case I am willing to take up the challenge,” he said, adding that he was yet to receive any formal appointment letter from the board.