Kenya 'must wait' for Tests

Kenya will have to wait before they can swap pyjamas for whites

Ehsan Mani, the new head of the International Cricket Council, has warned Kenya not to expect a fast-track to Test status.

Calls were made for Kenya to be granted full Test status after surprisingly reaching the semi-finals at this year's World Cup.

2005 the 'earliest' for Kenya

But Mani, speaking at the ICC cricket business forum at Lord's on Thursday, said Kenya will have to wait.

He pointed out that Bangladesh, the most recent addition to the Test roster, had failed to make the grade.

"Kenya's performance in the World Cup was exciting but the step-up from the one-day game to Test cricket is a huge and difficult one," Mani said.

Profile: Ehsan Mani

"Test cricket's newest member, Bangladesh, is also facing a challenging time.

"The performance of Bangladesh at the international level has been disappointing."

Mani said the ICC would help with new training and development programmes in Bangladesh.

But he confirmed the Tigers' schedule faces a reduction.

"Over the next two years there may be a reduction in the amount of international cricket Bangladesh is playing, particularly outside Bangladesh," Mani said.

Bangladesh have yet to win a Test and have not won a match of any kind against top-flight opposition since the 1999 World Cup, losing to Canada at this year's tournament in South Africa.