The wait continues for cricket clubs trying to purchase Omtex training balls designated for the T20 competition due to their delayed arrival on island.

Several clubs have confirmed that they were unable to purchase the cricket balls for the opening weekend of the 2026 T20 campaign in bulk from providers Bermuda Cricket Board as their order had not arrived on time.

They further revealed that some matches were played with what is believed to have been Omtex balls left over from last season and others with the higher quality and more expensive Kookaburra balls as a result of the late arrival of the brand originally designated for the competition.

It is understood the BCB are presently covering costs for the use of Kookaburra balls in the interim.

The Royal Gazette has reached out to the BCB.

The board introduced the cheaper Omtex cricket balls in response to calls by member clubs during a recent financial forum to help reduce operational costs.

However, while their $15 price tag has helped achieve that goal, the use of these particular balls for domestic matches has come under scrutiny from coaches and players.

Reports have also surfaced claiming that at least three bats were broken in T20 matches last weekend.

BCB chief executive Calvin Blankendal insists the board has not received any complaints from the clubs concerning the balls.

Omtex cricket balls are not used in international or professional first-class competitions, but have become a staple for professional players during their training sessions.

However, Blankendal emphasised that the ICC allows the use of the balls for domestic leagues which he said are also used by other countries in the Americas region.

He also allayed fears the use of the balls could be detrimental to the local game, especially for those involved at the national level.

The significantly cheaper balls had been made available through a relationship between BCB president Lloyd Smith and Omtex and were also used last season.

Blankendal insists that neither president Smith nor the BCB are making a profit from the balls.

It now remains to be seen if the Omtex cricket balls arrive before the conclusion of the 2026 T20 Premier and First Division campaigns next weekend.