Ali Ahsan Babu did not join Bangladesh Cricket Board as its general manager yesterday, the last date given to him by the Board, BCB general secretary’ Syed Ashraful Huq confirmed this.

Talking to The Daily Star over telephone last night. Ashraful said that Babu, who was appointed as GM by the Board last June, was previously supposed to join the Board on September 1 last year.

But Babu, who is an official of Bangladesh Biman. failed to do so till yesterday.

"He (Babu) has sent a letter to the Board saying he is yet to get the clearance from Biman and therefore unable to start his new duty," Ashraful said.

When asked what would the Board do now. Ashraful failed to give any clear idea saying (he matter would again be discussed in Board's next meeting. No date has been set for the meeting as yet. The BCB had earlier decided in its January 27 meeting that if Babu failed to join by February 1, 2001 they would look for a new GM.