LONDON, July 31: Bangladesh’s Test status is not under threat despite their struggle to compete at the top level, an official at the International Cricket Council (ICC) said Wednesday.

Asked if the country’s test status could be reviewed, ICC corporate affairs general manager Brendan McClements told Reuters: “It’s simply not on the agenda. It’s not something that’s being brought up at the moment.”

Sri Lanka, fielding a second-string team, beat Bangladesh by 288 runs in the second Test in Colombo.

Bangladesh have now lost 12 of their 13 matches since being granted Test status two years ago. They were also in trouble in the other game against Zimbabwe but were saved when two days were washed out by rain.

McClements added: “We take note of their performances, of course, but that in no way suggests there’s going to be any question of losing a Test playing nation. Test status was awarded to them and it’s theirs by right.”

Bangladesh became the 10th Test-playing nation in 2000. Several other sides, such as Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, struggled to make an impact after first being promoted to Test level.

Former Bangladesh coach Trevor Chappell, sacked earlier this year, said during his tenure: “They have a population of 130 million and cricket is their main game. There’s only one way this team will go, and that’s upwards.”—Reuters