Chris Foggo's international career hangs in the balance after the disgraced senior national team batsman pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court yesterday to two counts of possession of cannabis.

The St.David's wicketkeeper/batsman was fined $2,000 for possession of 22 grams of cannabis that was uncovered during a Police raid at his East End residence last October.

During court proceedings, Foggo asked Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner for leniency when it came to sentencing as a conviction could possibly result in the cricketer being banned from entering overseas jurisdictions.

"I'm asking for a little leniency for my situation I'm in. I play national squad cricket, it's my job. I fly out of the country on a regular basis," Foggo pleaded.

The 2005 Cup Match MVP recently represented the Island at the ICC Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers in Ireland and was expected to play a part in next week's Triangular Series involving Bermuda, Canada and the West Indies in Toronto.

However, Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Neil Speight confirmed yesterday that Foggo would not be taking any part in the upcoming tour.

He said: "I can tell you that Chris has withdrawn from the upcoming Triangular Series in Canada.

"He called the Board and withdrew today and as soon as we have the full squad we will announce it."

The St.David's player recently earned a recall to the senior national team after a lengthy hiatus and played an integral part in Bermuda's successful tour of Canada last month.

He is also due to represent club side St.David's in Saturday's second round Eastern Counties clash against challengers Flatts at Lords.

n Bermuda will take on Namibia in the ICC Intercontinental Cup at the National Sports Centre in September.

The ICC has given the game the go-ahead after the success of the game against Scotland in July proved that any problems with the pitch at North Field have been solved.

Gus Logie's side will now be able to play their second home game of the year against opponents who currently top the Intercontinental Cup table.

"I'm pleased to be able to confirm that Bermuda have the opportunity to play at home for the second time this year," said Bermuda Cricket Board president Reginald Pearman.

"The ICC approval for Bermuda to host the Namibia game, confirms that the National Sports Centre, with the hard work of the groundsmen, have prepared and maintained the wicket to the international standards required.

"I would also like to thank the Minister of the Environment and Sport, El James for his instrumental role in securing both fixtures and continuing the development of cricket in Bermuda.

"We are facing a tough team and I would encourage all of Bermuda to come out and support their country."

With the pitch at North Field up to scratch for the four day games, attention will now turn to securing One-Day International status. And Government is determined to secure it for not just the NSC, but for St David's and White Hill as well.

Over the next year or so the plan will be to develop both grounds so that they can host ODI matches.

n The following players have been selected for the Under-13 side to represent Bermuda at the Invitational Cricket Competition in St Kitts and Nevis from August 16-28:

K Leverock (capt), L Trott (v-capt), T Manders, D Minors, D Eve, C Marshall, O Bascome, Swayne Campbell, Seth Campbell, W White, J Commissiong, C Outerbridge, D Wellman, K Smith, C Basden, J Donawa.