Dhaka: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Papon on Monday said he was not aware of the procedure of including Sabbir Rahman in the national team.

Sabbir, serving a six-month ban from September last year, was picked up for the New Zealand tour on January 23. Announcing the team, BCB chief selector Minhazul Abedin said the disciplinary committee had given them clearance to include Sabbir in the ODI squad, reports the UNB.

But the next day, disciplinary committee chairman Sheikh Sohel said he was not informed about the reduction of Sabbir’s ban period but clarified that that BCB president had the authority to do so.

However, BCB boss Papon told a private TV channel that he was “unaware of” Sabbir’s selection process.

Sabbir was criticised on several occasions for his behaviour off the field. He was given a six-month ban last year for abusing a fan on social media.  
Defending his selection, Minhazul had told the media that it was because of a “strong recommendation” from captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. “He has been included considering the New Zealand tour and World Cup,” Minhazul said. 

Papon said he had not been involved in team selection for the last four months. “He (Sabbir) will certainly be included in the World Cup squad if he does not repeat the same acts. But he will be banned for life if he repeats any breach of discipline,” the BCB boss warned.