Test Status to be reviewed in 2 years

[opening_batsman]

Bangladesh below par, says Gray
February 23 2003
By Nabile Ahmed
Potchefstroom


International Cricket Council president Malcolm Gray has conceded Bangladesh's elevation to Test status in 2000 was a flawed decision.

After three years of humiliating results - the side has lost 16 and drawn one of its Tests - Bangladesh's Test status has come under renewed attack following more disappointments at the World Cup.

"I think maybe a more stricter approach should've been taken with Bangladesh," Gray said.

"I saw them play in Durban (where they were upset by World Cup debutant Canada) and yes, their performances have been disappointing and obviously that brings into question their long-term viability."

But Gray ruled out the possibility of stripping Bangladesh of its Test status, at least for now. "At the moment there are no plans to do that but I suppose in the next two years the situation could be reassessed," he said.

Gray said following Bangladesh's experience, the ICC had decided to defer granting Test status to Kenya. The African nation's application has been with the ICC for two years and Gray said it was likely to be deferred for another five.

Gray's predecessor and current president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jagmohan Dalmiya, under whose tenure Bangladesh was granted Test cricket status in June 2000, yesterday declined to comment on the issue, saying the matter was now between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

According to the BCB's development director, Muhammad Shafique-ul-Huque, Bangladesh does not deserve the honour. It was a sentiment echoed by the team's former coach, Trevor Chappell, before his sacking last year.

"Bangladesh is the No. 10 Test nation in international cricket, but there is a huge gap between No. 9 and No. 10," said Chappell.

"It's not the players' fault, it's the system. To close the gap, Bangladesh needs to develop quality first-class cricket at home."

But Gray said he remained hopeful that with time, experience and help from the established cricketing nations, Bangladesh could become a competitive outfit.

"These things take time and with 130 million passionate people there, with time I'm sure they'll get their act together," he said.