Why is the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) so hesitant to clear their position regarding all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's appeal for a leave?

That question has been raised as the game's local governing body, even as late as last night, was unable to confirm their position ahead of the team's departure for New Zealand on December 9.

When asked, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury only confirmed: "We have yet to take any decision." Apparently, he was awaiting advice from higher-ups.

"Concerned people will look into the pros and cons of his personal reasons due to which he wanted to skip the tour," he added.

It was hard to find any professionalism about the manner in which the board handled the issue -- from including a player's name in the squad after he had already verbally informed of his unwillingness to tour to then dilly-dallying after he submitted a written request.

It will be interesting to see how the BCB reacts to a contracted player handing in a written plea only after his name was included in the squad on Saturday evening.

"As a contracted player, he does not have the right to skip national duties at will. You cannot always do that citing personal reasons," a board official said on condition of anonymity.

Then why does the board not take some action? "It's not that easy," he responded.

Another official added scathingly, also on condition of anonymity: "A senior player can follow a pick-and-choose policy to prolong their career but a contracted player cannot do that without the consultation of the board. But I think we have loopholes in our systems and Shakib is taking full advantage for personal gain."

There had been whispers of Shakib's unviability for the New Zealand tour since start of the Pakistan series, but the drama only unfolded on Saturday. As BCB president Nazmul Hassan informed reporters that the 34-year old had verbally communicated his unwillingness to tour, the board simultaneously announced a squad including the all-rounder.

Then Shakib's written letter confirmed that he was not available for the tour.

Shakib also skipped the previous New Zealand tour earlier this year citing personal reasons and there have been several instances of the star cricketer opting to skip international assignments, causing a big headache for selectors and team management.

Questions can be raised if there are any functions that the cricket operations committee or selection panel could serve in the face of such an issue? Or is the board completely helpless about the 'Shakib issue'.