Bermuda's ODI status under threat

Bermuda could lose its ODI status if it can't get their main ground up to international standard. Richard Done, the ICC's head of development, has been on the island this week and says he's seen very little improvement since his last visit.

"It's been 12 months...and we're still in exactly the same position with regards to the square at the National Sports Centre," he told the Royal Gazette. "That's a little disappointing to be honest but I'm encouraged by the news that the Government appears to be looking seriously at the possibility of importing soil."

Bermuda are the only country outside of the six leading Associates not to have a ground that is accredited to host ODIs. This is going to cause major scheduling problems next year with Intercontinental Cup matches and ODIs due to be played in Bermuda.

"From my perspective it's probably become more important now than it was 12 months ago for Bermuda to have an accredited ground because without one, attempting to re-qualify for the World Cup in 2009 is going to be much harder," said Done.

In the short term matches will be played in other countries, but Done warned it can't stay that way forever. "I would say is there is a presumption that those with ODI status should be able to host ODIs, and so it's crucial for Bermuda's future status that they have the necessary facility available."

During his visit, Done also spent time discussing how to provide more top-level cricket for Bermuda, who were by far the weakest side at the World Cup. One possible route being explored is greater ties with the other Caribbean islands.

"This is something we're looking at for both Bermuda and Canada and in the programme we're putting together we're looking at fitting in games against the likes of Trinidad and Barbados in around February, March and April of next year."

But he added that enticing the major countries to visit comes back to the issue of having suitable conditions. "If Bermuda had a first-class ground, a good wicket and good practice facilities it would be fairly easy to convince some of the bigger countries to come here to train and play games against the national side."