Bangladesh: Making of a Test Nation

Bangladeshi cricket is tantalisingly close to fulfilling the national dream - Test status. 'Beyond The Test World's' latest recruit, Sk. Saifur Rahman, staff reporter (sports), the Daily Janakantha, reports on Bangladesh's preparations for the next stage.

"Test status is at the threshold of Bangladesh - only the official announcement is left.

According to the discussion at the last ICC executive meeting held in Singapore last month, Bangladesh obtained huge support. It is known that in this very matter the New Zealand representative Mr. John Anderson categorically stated that there should be no further discussion about the Bangladesh's appeal. It should be approved automatically through the proper channels.

So, this 120 million People's Republic has to wait till ICC's London meeting in June.

This is indeed a wait full of excitement and cautious joy.

In this, a transformation period for Bangladesh, the ICC, in the field of development, has given top priority to help Bangladesh make fit enough to play Test cricket.

So, ICC development committee is spending both money and expertise to strengthen its physical and administrative infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ross Turner, ICC Global Development Manager and Mr. Nasim Ul-Ghani, Development Officer of the ICC's Asia Zone, visited Dhaka last month to chalk out a five-year plan for us.

During their three-day stay, with the assistance of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's Director of Development, Mr. Eddie Barlow, a very constructive long-term plan was unveiled, together with initial funding for its implementation.

The ICC, from its development fund, has granted $US100,000 to the BCB. This will be given in two instalments. According to Mr. Barlow, the first comprising $US40,000 will be spent this month purchasing pitch and outfield rollers, mowers, pitch covers etc.

The time frame of the five-year plan is from March 1, 2000 to March 31, 2005.

The second instalment of $US60,000 will be used to implement the rest of the first year plan. Mr. Barlow hopes, if every thing goes okay, the first year plan will be in place by September, 2000, long before the actual time.

Without doubt, for Bangladesh, it is the high time to build a solid foundation. If it is properly done, coping with the pressure of playing Test cricket will be eased greatly.

Three stadiums have already been selected as Test venues.

These are Dhaka's Bangabondhu National Stadium, Rajshahi Stadium and Chittagong Stadium. Those with a sound knowledge of Bangladeshi cricket will be aware that Dhaka was also a Test venue while Bangladesh constituted East Pakistan.

Additionally, BKSP, Comilla and Jessore will be used for first class cricket.

The five year plan is a role model for any developing cricket country. Mr. Turner, Mr. Ul Ghani and Mr. Barlow have built the plan around 10 points:

1. Facilities and equipment
2. Plant and machinery
3. Education of coaches
4. Education of umpires
5. Referee education
6. Curator education
7. Specialised coaching
8. National senior squad
9. The national Under 19s squad
10. The cricket academy.

On the latter point, the feasibility of establishing a cricket academy will also be studied.

The ICC and the BCB is likely to use high profile former Test stars including Sir Richard Hadlee, Mushtaq Mohammad, Mr. Ul-Ghani, Bishen Bedi, Syed Kirmani and Bob Taylor to provide specialised coaching clinics throughout the country in the areas of fast bowling, spin bowling, batting, wicket-keeping and fielding.

Clinics in each discipline will be held anuually, lasting a fortnight. With due permission, experts also recommended to follow the ECB guide to train coaches and the MCC guide to train referees and curators. Proper monitoring and maintenance has given importance.

In course of time, BCB can build 27 centres and nine ets along with required mechineries and other facilities. Organizing coach, umpire, curator and referee's training, time to time, BCB will get educated persons for a professional set up. Umpires, coaches, referees of international repute will assist here.

Under the supervision of Mr. Barlow, the BCB is purchasing aforesaid machinery. Former national skipper Mr. Raquibul Hasan, a member of the BCB Development Committee is assisting.

Mr. Turner and Mr. Ghani will make a return visit at the end of March."