TWO things that have rung a bell in the World Cup is the stellar showing of Afghanistan and the continuously poor run of Bangladesh. Both the Asian teams have had a different ride of fortunes as the former is still in reckoning of a semi-final spot while the latter has been eliminated from the race. The contrasting journey of Afghanistan and Bangladesh has left many questions for the cricket lovers and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to ponder over. Is it time to change the structure and make way for more Associate Nations to enter the top fray and relegate poorly-faring Test teams like Bangladesh to the Associate status?

 

The question is very complex for the ICC and the Test-playing nations to decide. The story of Bangladesh in international cricket is a roller-coaster ride. On most of the occasions, the Asian team has flattered to deceive. Despite having a great fan base and opportunities to play against top teams, the Bangladesh side has never made it count. A few silverware and a few bilateral series wins apart, Bangladesh have remained in the second tier of the Test-playing nations for the vulnerability they show in big tournaments. Their pathetic run in this edition of the ICC World Cup is a fine example of how the team has failed to do justice to their two decades long Test status. Bangladesh were handed Test-playing status in the year 2000, mostly as a political move to shore up votes in the ICC. The backroom story about the grant of Test status is well-known in cricketing circles and corridors of the ICC.

 

Yet, keeping the political aspect of the decision apart, Bangladesh were also given ample opportunities to improve their rankings and stand up as a potent force in international cricket. Their players are part of top cricket leagues in the world, including the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). Yet, when it comes to national duties the same players have not realised their full potential, making Bangladesh a perennial weak team in the overall structure. Critics might bring up their victories against top teams like India, Australia, Pakistan or England over the years. They must also keep in mind the nature of the game which is full of uncertainties. Upset of the mighty is part and parcel of the game. The key is in using the shock result in favour of building a winning habit. Unfortunately, Bangladesh have failed miserably in maintaining the momentum. Basking in a couple of sunny days would never make a summer for Bangladesh. It is a reality that the team as well as the organisers of the game must take into consideration for the sake of equality where the Associate Nations are given a springboard for a big leap. The ICC will have to take the tricky call someday and introduce a promotion and relegation system in the top tier, based not just on rankings but also on performance graph of teams.