No plans to review Bangladesh's Test status

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has come to the defence of Bangladesh and insisted that there are no plans for their Test status to be withdrawn or even reviewed.

There have been increasing calls for a reassessment following a string of dismal performances since Bangladesh were awarded Test status in 2000. Of the 18 matches they have played, all but one have been lost, and in the only game they drew they were saved by rain against Zimbabwe. But as much as the record itself, the manner of the defeats - 13 have been by an innings - has caused concern.

"The International Cricket Council and ACC are particularly committed to all out support to improve cricket in Bangladesh and reports giving (the) impression that Bangladesh's Test status would be taken back are totally wrong," Zakir Husain Syed, the cricket development manager of the ACC said. "The ICC has plans to improve the infrastructure and domestic competitions in Bangladesh and has allocated around US$500,000 for that purpose.

"The ICC has planned an elite training programme in Bangladesh," Syed added, "and the ACC will also conduct a sports medicine programme besides various other coaching and umpiring programmes there."