10 August 2004	Tuesday	23 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

DHAKA, Aug 9: Bangladesh have dropped middle-order batsman Alok Kapali in favour of Nafis Iqbal in their 14-man squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy which starts in England on Sept 10.

Middle order batsman, Faisal Hossain and spinner Abdur Razzaq, were both dropped to accommodate batsman Aftab Ahmed and pace bowler Nazmul Hossain after poor performances in the recent Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Control Board said on Monday.

"It is about getting the right combination," Faruq Ahmed told reporters on Monday. Razzaq, meanwhile, was overlooked as he is under observation for a suspect bowling action, reported during Asia Cup.

Habibul Bashar was retained as captain with Rajin Saleh as his deputy. Nafis, a former under-19 captain, played in two limited-over matches on his international debut against England during their Bangladesh tour in November. Aftab Ahmed was on the Test team playing England, but failed to make the starting lineup.

The team will leave for England on Aug 26, and is likely to play some practice matches against Scotland and Ireland, Faruque said. "Bangladesh is in the process of creating stars," the national team's Australian coach, Dav Whatmore, said. "There is no straight way to success."

Bangladesh ended a five-year losing streak in one-day matches in March, winning against Zimbabwe in Harare. In the Asia Cup, they easily managed to beat minnows Hong Kong, but dismally lost all other matches against powerhouses India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh had previously only ever won three one-day games - against Pakistan, Kenya and Scotland. Bangladesh play their first game in the ICC Champions Trophy against South Africa at Edgbaston on Sept 12.

SQUAD: Habibul Bashar (captain), Rajin Saleh (vice-captain), Mohammad Ashraful, Javed Omar, Nafis Iqbal, Aftab Ahmed, Mushfiqur Rahman, Khaled Mahmud, Khaled Mashud 9wicket-keeper), Mohammad Rafique, Manjurul Islam Rana, Tapash Baisya, Tareq Aziz, Nazmul Hossain. -Agencies