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Busy Bangladesh itinerary

Bangladesh will appoint a new coach either from South Africa or Australia by August next, president of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Deputy Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Saber Hossain Chowdhury said yesterday, report agencies.

Speaking at a news conference the BCB chief said both boards have been approached and ``We are expecting a reply from either one.''

Apart from looking after the national team, the new coach will also work with the regional development officers at the divisional headquarters, Saber Hossain Chowdhury said.

BCB's contract with West Indian Gordon Greenidge expired on June 30.

Saber returned home on Wednesday after attending the Executive Board and annual general meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Saber said Bangladesh will have a busy year from September next as ``We received a good number of commitments from different Test playing nations during the ICC meeting.''

West Indies will play a few one-day, three-day and four-day matches during their Bangladesh tour in September, England A are expected to visit in November this year, he added.

Sri Lanka and the MCC are expected to visit in January next year while Australia A are likely to visit in March, the BCB president said.

South Africa, during or after the tour of India, may also play at least a one-day international early next year.

Most of the matches will be held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, which will be handed over to Cricket Board on September 8.

Replying to another query, the BCB chief said, the next Asia Cup will be held in Sri Lanka sometime in April or May next year.

Bangladesh is likely to play in the first World Test Championship to be held in the year 2001 or 2002.

Besides, Bangladesh team will visit India and Pakistan next winter, said Chowdhury, adding, ``We took all these international programmes as ICC Executive Board would review Bangladesh's performance before giving it the 10th Test playing status in June next year.

``BCB will take up programmes to increase the longer version of matches round the year regionally and nationally, and a decision will be taken in the next board meeting this month'', he said.

He said Bangladesh's performance was lauded in the ICC Executive Board meeting. Five out of required seven members strongly supported Bangladesh's Test status claim.

India, Pakistan and West Indies supported the bid but four members advised to review the Bangladesh's performance for another one year.

Bangladesh need the support of at least seven members to gain the Test status this time, the BCB president further said.

Saber was re-elected ICC Executive Board member from the Associate Members' group.