Bangladesh national chief selector Faruque Ahmed. File Photo: Star

Often reporters have to live under the burden of off-the-record information. Understandably one cannot feel bad for those interesting bits of information that can only be discussed privately in an 'adda' setting but the case is made more complicated when someone says one thing off the record and something completely different on the record.

At this moment the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB's) controversial move to revamp the selection panel is the most discussed issue in the cricket arena. Much has already been said in the media about the peculiar thinking from the board high-ups but what is most disheartening is that those who have been vocal against the move off the record have chosen to keep quiet in public.

But do not think they were not aware that this kind of change in a proven system is going to take place with no good motive; just ask them to say something off the record.

It is well known that many off-record critics of this ill-conceived proposal are the same people who are intimately involved in the machinations and there are some who may even gain because of its approval. Will they actually voice their concerns when the proposal -- which has now turned into a two-tier format and one can only guess what shape it will ultimately take -- is put on the table during the next board meeting?

True, it will not make any difference if someone raises his voice but still it will add some value and variation to a hopelessly one-sided discourse.

In this context everyone will be looking forward to see what the current chief selector Faruque Ahmed will do if the new system, which will virtually change the selectors' role from judges to mere scouts, is finally approved.

“I think if this recommendation is passed it will bring to an end a good system of selection that we have been following for a long time. If this new system is adopted by the board, I won't stay,” was the reaction from Faruque in response to the working committee proposal on May 27.

Since then one change has been made to the proposal -- the post of chief selector will be retained. Will Faruque be content to continue in his exalted position with all its rewards or will he continue his opposition and refuse to be part of a system that is set to destroy a functioning one and will set a bad example?

Will he compromise with his freedom to be an ordinary BCB staff or will he live up to his reputation as a gutsy man?

Faruque did a wonderful job during his first tenure as a chief selector to bring new talent who are now leading Bangladesh cricket, and his second tenure as a chief selector was also successful. His bold decision-making set him apart, but that quality will leave the picture along with the old selection structure.

On Monday, this reporter rang him from the morning and got his response only in the evening.

“I am leaving for a long vacation tonight, so I am busy right now. I will talk with you at night,” responded Faruque to a question about BCB's two-tier proposal.

Despite repeated calls it was however not possible to talk to him but it will be interesting to see if he speaks from his heart even if he is miles away after the BCB makes their final decision.