Bacher favours Test status for Bangladesh

Bangladesh have already attained One-Day International status 8212; something they grabbed with both hands to defeat Pakistan in the last World Cup in England.

The Bangladeshis were then coached by former West India opener Gordon Greendige. But since his ouster, they are being coached by former South African Test all-rounder Eddie Barlow.

Bacher, who is also the Managing Director of the United Cricket Board of South Africa UCBSA, will shortly quit his present job with the UCBSA to spearhead his nation8217;s preparations for the 2003 World Cup.

Bacher said said one of the semi-finals would be given to co-hosts Zimbabwe 8212; to be played at Harare or Bulawayo.

He said the next World Cup will see an additional 12 matches 8212; up from the 42 played last year in England 8212; and spread over a five to six-week period.South Africa will stage 48 matches while Zimbabwe will host five with Kenya getting one match.

8220;Fourteen teams, comprising the nine Test playing countries, Kenya, Bangladesh and three qualifiers from the 2002 ICC Trophy event in Toronto, would compete in the World Cup,8221; Bacher said.