The surprise decision came from the interim caretaker government on a day when the board confirmed that two Indian marketing agents -- Nimbus and ZeeSport -- submitted their bids on Wednesday morning to acquire BCB's Worldwide Marketing Agency Rights (television, internet, etc) for the period of November 1, 2006 to March 31, 2012.

"We have got a letter from the sports ministry where the authorities asked the board to stop all activities regarding the TV deal. I talked with my general secretary and told him to meet with the Advisor and explain the circumstances," BCB president Ali Asghar told the Daily Star Sport over telephone while confirming the suspension order.

Asghar, a former BNP lawmaker, was supposed to evaluate the technical issues with the representatives of the bidding companies before announcing the winning bidder sometimes today.

Although a decision on this sensitive matter that involves a huge amount of money was not unexpected, but Asghar felt that the tender process should go on for the greater interest of cricket.

"I have already told my general secretary to convince the Advisor of the caretaker government that the bidding should continue otherwise we might miss the opportunity to strike a lucrative deal. I think someone gave him (the Advisor of the sports ministry) the wrong impression about the deal," he added.

He however admitted that board made a mistake by not informing the Advisor earlier.

"I think there is nothing shady in the process. So, it could have been wise for us to inform the detail of the bidding to our Advisor. We are also planning even to request him to send one of his representatives to observe the whole process," said Asghar.

He also said that he was busy with his political activities in Khulna and just returned to Dhaka yesterday.

Asghar, who was appointed by the BNP-led government, said that he was ready to quit the hot seat of the most affluent sports federation.

"No doubt it's a very difficult situation for me. I am feeling very uneasy with the job but I have to talk with my party high-ups before taking any decisions. I will meet with my party high-ups tomorrow to decide about the matter and if they ask me to quit the job I will do that," he said.

Asghar however said that it would be suicidal if the bidding process remains suspended for long time.

"Zimbabwe will arrive later this month, so we have no time to waste about this matter. I believe the whole process is transparent and we are going to receive more money than anybody had expected," he said.

It was learnt that the bids went already above the BCB's floor price of $5 million, four times higher than the first five-year deal with ESPN-STAR Sports.