Salaam.
The Imam (Prayer leader) who considers Basmala as part of the first Sura, reads it aloud in Salat.
As for the controversy of it being part of Sura I, I thought about it. I found that those who think that Basmala is part of Sura I, invariably recite it in the beginning of Sura I.
Meaning, the reciter is beginning to read what follows, in the name of Allah, the Beneficent, Most Merciful.
What follows, begins with the words, Al Hamdu Lillah. In fact, the Whole Qur'an starts with the words: Al Hamdu Lillah!
He who does not recite Basmala, also begins with the words: Al Hamdu Lillah! (although he does not recite Basmala.)
Therefore, for me, the controversy means nothing.
Regards,
A. Ismail Sait