Plans are underway to ensure Bermuda?s cricketers get some international practice ahead of the ICC Trophy showdown next July.

Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman confirmed yesterday that discussions are in progress with cricketing counterparts elsewhere to arrange a line-up of matches for Clay Smith?s men ahead of their attempt to qualify for the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.

The BCB chief was responding to an article in which indicated that another country vying for a World Cup spot ? Namibia ? is trying to set up a clash against Bermuda on June 24.

The story also indicated that Guernsey?s cricketers are trying to make the most of the many international teams seeking warm-up fixtures in the build-up to the tournament in Ireland. The Sarnians ? Guernsey?s team ? are trying to organise matches against Bermuda, Namibia, Canada, the Netherlands and Denmark around the same time too.

?We?re just talking right now. Nothing is settled one way or the other,? said Pearman regarding the likelihood of opposing Namibia before the ICC Trophy starts.

?Yes, there?s a possibility. We?re looking at a few options.?

However he refused to be drawn any further on who else Bermuda might play in their run-up to the all-important qualifier which will see five nations advancing to the cricketing one-day spectacle.

?I can?t say anything further...not at this time. We?re at a delicate stage right now.?

Bermuda have been placed in Group One of the competition along with hosts Ireland, Denmark, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the USA.

Namibia are in Group Two with Holland, Scotland, Canada, Oman and one other team to be picked from a series among fourth-placed teams in regional qualifiers. Only the top three finishers in regional qualifiers were automatically eligible to play in Ireland.

Pearman also said the BCB are still awaiting word on whether Government will assist with underwriting the cost of recruiting a new national coach and their decision should be known early in the New Year.