Bangladesh must go

In 55 Test matches since their introduction to the arena in 2000, Bangladesh have won precisely one of them, a 2005 match against a Zimbabwe team already well on the slippery slope to turmoil and virtual ruin, in line with the nation itself.

Unlike Sri Lanka who, by the ninth year of their Test existence in 1991, lost just one of their six matches against New Zealand, England and Pakistan – a compelling here-to-stay signal – Bangladesh have made no such strides. They may well have lurched backwards.

I think Bangladesh have got to go, at least from a five-day point of view, as the most feasible ICC “itinerary uncluttering” solution.

It’s regrettable, but necessary in the new world order.

Perhaps the way ahead for them is to spiritedly put all their eggs in 20- and 50-overs baskets, aiming to become a more credible force in these formats?