Government is exploring the possibility of Bermuda getting one-day international (ODI) status for cricket matches, Community Minister Wayne Scott told MPs in the House of Assembly last week.The idea of playing hosting international matches at the National Stadium has been discussed previously, with talk of hosting one-day matches when Test teams visit the Caribbean to play the West Indies. With some investment the National Stadium could be brought up to the required standard.Scott was asked by Shadow Economic Development Minister Glenn Blakeney, the former Sports Minister, if the “good work” already done on this issue had progressed during a recent visit to the Island by the President of the International Cricket Council for the World Cricket League Division 3 Tournament.Scott replied: “Yes ... there is continuation of some of the work that’s been done. The Bermuda Cricket Board has done a great job with the Department (of Youth, Sport and Recreation) over the last few years and part of the president coming down here was for him to see things firsthand, because we are looking to expand the international tournaments that we have and the status of these.“We are continuing to diligently work on that because we do need to utilise that National Sports Centre and some of our other venues ... for this international play.”It has been seven years since the National Sports Centre hosted the Twenty20 World Cricket Classic in front of huge crowds, though organiser and former Essex all-rounder Keith Pont told The Royal Gazette at the time that bearing in mind the $3 million cost it was unlikely the event would continue without government backing and the involvement of a title sponsor. The event was scrapped after that one year.Now international matches may return, though the issue of bringing the facility up to standard with bigger changing rooms, a media centre and a bigger umpires room will necessitate an investment from Government."The BCB is very encouraged that the Minister of Community and Cultural Development, the Hon. R. Wayne Scott, has highlighted that the accreditation of the National Sports Centre venue with ODI status is a priority,” said BCB president Lloyd Fray in an e-mail.“The recent hosting of the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 showcased the outstanding abilities of the island of Bermuda to deliver world class sporting events. We look forward to working with the Ministry to deliver this important objective. I am especially pleased to be able to share with you that glowing compliments were received from ICC president Alan Isaac, WICB president Dave Cameron, ICC global development manager Tim Anderson in addition to the ICC regional development manager Ben Kavenagh."The venue is an outstanding location and will need some upgrading on its cricket facilities, e.g. turf practice nets, improved sightscreens and larger player and umpire changing rooms. Other modifications for event hosting can be facilitated by the provision of temporary equipment."Chairman of the National Sports Centre trustees, Sean Tucker, is also optimistic about the ability to host international matches here at the Island’s premier cricket ground.“The development of the North Field at the National Sports Centre to achieve One Day International cricket status has always been a priority of the Board,” Tucker insists.“The design of the Centre core contains all remaining components required to allow us to achieve this status. We look forward to continue working with the Bermuda Cricket Board, and the ICC to ensure that the North Field, like the other components of the NSC, are able to host events at the highest levels of their respective sports.”Useful websites:www.parliament.bmwww.youthandsport.bmwww.icc-cricket.com