The inclusion of former Australia skipper Steve Smith in the Comilla Victorians squad for the sixth edition of the

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been opposed by the other franchises.

The objection from the franchises was based on the BPL's by-laws, which state that a replacement can only be taken from the players' draft list.

The Smith issue was the major point of contention in the meeting between the BPL governing council and representatives of the franchises that took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

“The technical committee meeting was held due to the unusual situation. We thought a world-class player like Smith would add spark to the tournament," Jalal Yunus, chairman of the BPL technical committee told The Daily Star yesterday. "The BPL's image would also be enhanced in the international arena. But representatives of the seven franchises sat for a meeting after opposition was voiced regarding his [Smith's) inclusion. After the opposition was raised, the situation has become complicated. According to the by-laws, a franchise can only pick a player from the players' draft.

"However, the technical committee provided the franchises the opportunity of further additions of players outside the draft. But since most of the franchises did not agree to this, the issue was forwarded to the board. Now the board will have the final say on the Smith issue."

Comilla Victorians authorities had earlier informed that the franchise signed a contract with Smith in November for the sixth edition of the BPL. The Australian cricketer, currently serving a year-long ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in a Test between Australia and South Africa last March, was expected to join Comilla from the fifth game of the tournament.

Rangpur Riders issued a written objection to the decision to include Smith, following which the BPL GC took a step back from the decision.

If he does play, the BPL will be Smith's fourth commitment in a T20 league following his ban. The Australia cricketer has played in Canada's Global T20 and Caribbean Premier League and has landed a deal with the Pakistan Super LeagueT20.

Another Australian cricketer also serving a one-year ban for the same reason, David Warner was previously roped in by Sylhet Sixers for the sixth edition. The ban of the two cricketers from international matches will end on March 29,2019.