Bermuda's preparations for the 1994 ICC Trophy in Kenya and the next World Cup in 1995.

Board president Ed Bailey disclosed this week that a technical committee, made up of former Bermuda internationals, and a sponsorship committee are being put in place with the objective of boosting Bermuda's international programme for the next five years.

"At the end of `93 we're looking at Kenya and if successful in Kenya, by at least being a winning semi finalist, we'll automatically be in the next World Cup,'' said the president.

The technical committee is to be chaired by vice president Reggie Pearman and will include a group of former players with international experience. Colin Blades and Shiraz Ali are two who have already been approached about serving on the committee which could include up to 10 members.

Board treasurer Gary Fray will head the sponsorship committee with Maurice Hankey as the co-ordinator. The plan is to have one other Board member and three members from the corporate sector, with the aim being to raise funds for upcoming tours.

"I call it the joint World Cup Committee,'' Bailey said of the two committees. "They are in the process of being set up and we should see some productivity by the end of September.'' Next year is seen as the critical year if Bermuda is to prepare properly for the ICC Trophy in February, 1994. "The ICC competition in Kenya 1994 we're looking at putting, from a budget point, into the '93 programme,'' said Bailey.

"By December '93 the next team will be picked and it (tournament) will be a four to five week programme. We'll be leaving Bermuda, perhaps, at the end of January with possibly a stop in England for two games and maybe in Zimbabwe for more games.'' A visit of the Pakistan Test team, at the end of their three Test series of the West Indies in May, is still top priority with the Board for next year.

The week long tour, which is 70 percent confirmed and has attracted interest from a sponsor, could include three matches, two on the weekend and one in midweek.

Also, a visit by the West Indies B team is still under negotiation for next year while a visit by an English county team is in the works for next September. Leicestershire have shown some interest.

"I will not rule out the possibility of a Bermuda tour to either England or the West Indies some time next year,'' Bailey added.

The Board is still also keen on getting Australian coach Bob Simpson here some time next year to assist the national programme. "That all depends on his contract commitment with the Australian Board and also how he recovers from a back operation which he was supposed to have in July,'' Bailey stated.

Bailey spoke highly of Doug Ferguson's contribution during his brief stint saying: "This fella was needed seven years ago.'' He added: "We have 15 months to financially and technically prepare ourselves for the World Cup. This is our biggest opportunity and if we miss this opportunity we're talking about the year 2000 and trying to keep an international programme going until then.

"That Kenya competition, now that three countries will qualify and with Zimbabwe out, will be the most competitive ICC in history. It will be a tremendous benefit to Bermuda financially, something like $300,000 if we get into the World Cup.''