Bermuda will not withdraw from the Americas Cup despite the current trouble in assembling a senior squad.

President of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) Reginald Pearman said that apart from being unreasonable to tournament organisers, a last-minute withdrawal could land the Island severe penalties and possibly other sanctions.

"I think it would be more detrimental to pull out. We must persevere. If we were to pull out Bermuda would be the real loser. We stand to be fined," he said.

"I don't know what the sanctions would be, not only from the Americas Cup committee but also from International Cricket Council (ICC) at this late stage. It would be totally unreasonable to consider anything like that."

Pearman, who assumed the presidency two weeks ago, said he feels sorry that national coach Mark Harper has endured the unenviable position of having players drop out at the 11th hour after he has worked with them for weeks, preparing for next month's competition in Argentina.

"I think coach Mark Harper has carried most of the burden, I have just come into the thick of things and inherited these problems. But, naturally, we hope we can move on from here and that the guys who are going can acquit themselves well and do good for the country.''

The new president admitted the dilemmas of compiling a competent team have been mind-boggling and have hampered his quest to effect a smooth transition when he came to office.

"I am terribly disappointed that a lot of guys can't make it or have opted out. It's been a struggle over the years in this regard. I think a lot of them don't remember when former BCBC president Alma (Champ) Hunt went to England several years ago to set up this associate membership, this is as far as we have grown, each country has its own region. We are in the Americas and we should be participating.

"For the guys to pull out at this late stage, it's a strain on the Board, employers and others for us to get permission for them to go.

"Most of the guys have their own ideas for pulling out. Some may be afraid of the situation in Argentina. We've been assured that everything is all right from the tournament standpoint. Other people are participating in another tournament there right now, so I don't know what we can do about it other than live with it."

Looking ahead two years to when Bermuda will likely be hosting the same tournament, Pearman believes the Island will be just as involved.

"Nothing is written in stone as far us participating in future tournaments is concerned, but the next senior Americas Cup will be held here, I think, and we will have to work towards making it a huge success as the Americas attempt to improve the tournament," he said.

Regarding the idea that Bermuda should abandon its senior national programme and wait until the current under-19s reach senior level, Pearman said it was a matter of blending promising youth players with the young members already in the senior squad and combining them with a few older players who remain committed to representing their country.

"All we can do is hope that this natural progression can work to the betterment of cricket in the Island," he said.