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Bangladesh rejoices test status
Posted: Monday June 26, 2000 02:50 PM
DHAKA, Bangladesh (Reuters) -- Bangladesh Cricket Board officials said on Monday their country had been granted test status. "The ICC (International Cricket Council) today unanimously gave Bangladesh a full membership, making it a test-playing nation," BCB president Saber Hossain Chowdhury said from London, where the ICC has been meeting. Bangladesh becomes the 10th test-playing country. The others are England, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The news sparked massive celebrations across the country and prompted reaction from across the political spectrum, including joyous remarks by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "I am very happy and I thank the ICC for granting test status to Bangladesh," she said. "It will inspire our cricketers to strive harder towards their goals, including winning the World Cup one day." Bangladeshis lit crackers, distributed sweets and danced and sang on the streets after hearing the news from Lords. "Yes, yes, we have made it," Sports Minister Obaidul Quader told thousands of people waiting outside the BCB office, after Chowdhury had phoned him from London. The BCB announced plans for an official celebration on Wednesday. Bangladesh became an associate member of the ICC in 1977 and won the ICC trophy in 1997. They made their World Cup debut in 1999 defeating Scotland and former champions Pakistan.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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