Cricket Board of Control.

Largely responsible for revitalising the sport in the last 18 months, James hinted yesterday that he might not stand for re-election at next month's BCBC annual general meeting because of his increasing heavy workload in other areas since becoming a politician.

The PLP MP said he was concerned about his increasing commitments after taking on the responsibilities of chairman of the Education Department and the Golf Advisory Board.

"All Bermuda knows that I have taken on some other responsibilities which come along with being elected to parliament and with these, naturally I am forced to reassess the whole situation,'' he said.

"Anybody in my position would do likewise I am sure. One thing pertaining to cricket that I can say at this time is that the sport is on a good footing and I am excited about the direction in which it is going and what the Board has in store for our cricketers in the future.'' Sources close to the BCBC said that instead of tendering his resignation immediately, James had simply decided not to run for the position in less than a month's time.

"He believes that cricket is on the right track by reviving a youth programme, getting sponsors back on board and re-establishing close ties with Canada where he and Randy Horton led a youth team tour last summer,'' said one insider.

"El hasn't even had time to settle into his new role and already he feels that as a politician he hasn't been able to make even routine visits to the offices of the Board to assist in daily matters, and this is causing him grave concern.'' Elected as president on July 28, 1997, after the forced ouster of Ed Bailey, James has played a key role in restoring faith in the sport among players, spectators and sponsors, having vowed to re-establish a solid youth programme for the first time in eight years.

"We have started a lot of things that are going to be positive for cricket.

We have got a youth programme underway, we have a commitment with Canada and other countries in the region to continue working towards holding annual matches at a youth level. We have also been invited to participate in several youth tournaments at various levels in the Caribbean,'' said James.

"At the senior level there are also lots of options for us internationally, one being a regional tournament that we hope to organise. But what we are really looking forward to with enthusiasm is the revival of the triangular tournament next summer which will involve both Canada and the United States.'' EL JAMES -- expected to stand down as BCBC president at next month's annual general meeting.