Bangladesh's Bashar awarded captaincy extension

DHAKA, June 22 (Reuters) Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar will retain the captaincy until the World Cup in 2007, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said today.

''We believe Bashar can lead the team well in the coming World Cup,'' said a senior Board official.

It was also confirmed Bangladesh will not play any test series before next year's World Cup in the Caribbean.

''I am extremely happy to know the board's decision. It will help me to chalk out a plan for the World Cup,'' Bashar told reporters.

Bashar, who took the reins from former skipper Khaled Mahmud in January 2004, has led Bangladesh to 12 one-day victories including one each against India, Sri Lanka and Australia.

He also led Bangladesh in their maiden test victory against Zimbabwe in January 2005.

Basher has played 42 tests and 82 one-day internationals, hitting three centuries and 24 fifties. He has hit 12 fifties in one-dayers with an average of 21.59.

Bangladesh is poised to play eight one-day matches against Kenya and Zimbabwe in July-August this year.

It is also scheduled to play in the ICC Champions Trophy in India in October and a one-day series against Zimbabwe at home.

REUTERS PM BD1130