Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held a board meeting yesterday, with central contracts topping the agena. The board is in the process of redesigning the contracts, reintroducing a grade system that had been used in the past.

While last year's central contracts were announced in early February, there was some confusion this time, specifically due to the board's pending decision on veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad.

"Yes, one of the reasons for the lateness was the two seniors. We need to understand their plans, and that has to be discussed," a BCB source close to the development told The Daily Star.

Following the board meeting, BCB director and cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim was asked if there is any plan of action regarding both seniors, especially if they are in consideration for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"They have to prove themselves. Considering their age and performances, it's not my call actually, but the selectors'," Fahim told reporters in a press conference.

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Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah have to prove themselves for 2027 WC: Fahim 

The board is also working to improve the contracts of players who only play Test cricket, with the grade system expected to better the terms of their contracts.

In addition, BCB plans to extend the contracts of national team head coach Phil Simmons and senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, whose initial contracts were until the Champions Trophy. If a deal with Simmons cannot be reached before the upcoming Zimbabwe series, Salahuddin is set to take over as head coach, sources said.

BCB is also seeking new bowling coaches, and should favourable options arise, pace-bowling coach Andre Adams may move to a different role within the board.

Meanwhile, BCB officials yesterday informed that the independent investigation committee has been thoroughly going through incidents, paperwork, and conducting interviews to probe into match-fixing allegations in the Bangladesh Premier League. With no deadline set, the committee is still investigating, and BCB sources informed that the report may be due soon.