Bangladesh becomes tenth Test playing nation

On Friday 10th November Bangladesh will become the tenth nation to play Test Match cricket when it takes on India in a one-off Test at the 36,000 capacity Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.

The home side is captained in the historic fixture by 26 year old Naimur Rahman, who will lead out his side against Saurav Ganguly's India. 160 million cricket-loving Bangladeshis will follow proceedings with pride and fanatical interest.

This will be the 1,512th Test match played since 1876-77 and the ninth to be staged in Dhaka. The stadium hosted seven Test Matches in the 1950s and `60s when it was part of East Pakistan, and one as a neutral venue in the Asian Test Championships of 1999, when Pakistan played Sri Lanka.

"No doubt this first match against India will be a sporting occasion of great significance and excitement. It is absolutely vital for the long term health and development of cricket that new countries are encouraged and supported by the ICC and other nations to achieve Test Match status," commented ICC President Malcolm Gray.

"Bangladesh provides an excellent example to aspiring countries of what can be achieved with hard work, planning, dedication and of course talent. ICC is soon to announce a 10 year itinerary of international tours by all Test Match playing countries. This step will be of relevance to all participants, but will be of particular benefit to Bangladesh in allowing it to pit its skills against each of the other nine Test nations.

"Cricket is a great game - the best as far as I am concerned. Occasions like this inaugural Test Match are very special and should be enjoyed by all associated with it. The eyes of the cricketing world will be on Bangladesh and I send my very best personal wishes for a successful debut and many years of stimulating cricket and enjoyment to come," added Mr Gray.

ICC officials for the inaugural Test are Raman Subba Row, referee, and Steve Bucknor and David Shepherd as overseas umpires.