"Most of the board members were against the appointment of Harun but unanimously accepted Khaled Mahmud as manager for the Champions Trophy. What the members felt was that the board can't ignore such massive allegations raised on the newspapers against the man," said media committee chairman Reazuddin Al Mamun after the board's executive committee meeting at a local hotel yesterday.

"We are yet to decide if Mahmud will get a long stint as national team manager. He is already working as the operations manager for the Academy, so we will decide about it after the ICC Champions Trophy," he added.

The last few days have seen a lot of controversy surrounding the appointment of the ex-armed forces man with an adamant BCB general secretary Mahbubul Anam backing his appointment despite serious allegations of Harun's past was raised in local newspapers.

Mahabub was quoted in the newspapers earlier that, 'when we issued the press release confirming his (Harunoor Rashid Bhuiyan) appointment, it was our final decision'.

The BCB general secretary, though, belatedly accepted that they made a 'mistake'. He however flatly rejected any influence from the higher level regarding the appointment of Harun.

"We went through a proper process. I interviewed him. His credentials and interview went fine. That's why we picked him (Harun). Of course the president (Ali Asghar) endorsed the recruitment committee's decision and that's why the board issued the press release confirming his appointment," explained Mahbub.

"But having done the investigation on our own way, we have decided not to give the job to this man for the greater interest of our cricket," added the bearded organiser.

Meanwhile, it was a surprising decision for Mahmud who retired from international cricket in February this year after playing 12 Tests and 77 one-day internationals in his long and colourful career.

"I was surprised when Mahbub bhai told me on Friday night that the board have decided to give me the job. What he told me was that the board thought that I am fit for this job, so after that it was impossible for me to think of anything negative and most importantly I am an employee of the board and as a result I have to abide by their decision," said the 35-year old all-rounder.

"I still believe that the job came a little bit early to me but I always love to take challenges. I'm not fully aware about the managerial affairs but I think I can overcome everything as all players, coach and the coaching staffs are quite close to me," said Mahmud, who was branded as a fighter in his playing career.

He, however, said that the decision was like a dream came true to him because it is always nice to accompany the national side.

"I think it's a great honour to work as a national cricket team manager. Believe me, I feel like I'm returning to my own home because it was just six months back that I have had a association with the team. So, it's a great, great feeling," said an excited Mahmud.