Time running out for Mahmud

Despite Bangladesh's continuing poor form, his own wretched record, and the fact that his own public have taken to jeering him, Khaled Mahmud remains Bangladesh's captain - but rumours emanating from sources close to the Bangladesh Cricket Board indicate that he will be replaced in the next few weeks.

Mahmud's dismissal had been expected after Test and one-day whitewashes against England in October. His own performances were poor, and even the home supporters booed and ridiculed him during matches. But the board has yet to act, and the frustration of Faruk Ahmed, the chief selector, became apparent when he faced the media.

"When the board tells us to find a new captain, we will sit and start thinking, not before that," he said. "We have not done it yet but it is true that Mahmud has not performed his duty as a player in the senior team. Whatever, as a captain he is no mean guy."

Ahmed also made it clear that he did not feel there was any justification for keeping Mahmud in the squad. "If we have to remove him from his position, it is certain that he will be dropped from the side. All the thinking will not do any good because we need the official nod first."

The local media speculation as to who will take over for the tour of Zimbabwe has narrowed the field down to two likely candidates - Habibul Bashar, the current vice-captain, or Mushfiqur Rahman. Bashar is the favourite as he is one of the few in the side who could lead by example.