Wendell Smith, the St George’s Cricket Club selection committee member, has lashed out at Bermuda Cricket Board’s 2026 T20 and 50 overs schedules which he deems as “unfair” and “unbalanced”.

Among the former star batsman’s concerns is 50 and 40 overs KO champions St David’s and St George’s having to play the bulk of their matches in both the T20 and 50 overs competitions away from home, while promoted Southampton Rangers are scheduled to play most of theirs on their own ground.

Smith expressed his concerns in a letter addressed to BCB president Lloyd Smith and chief executive Calvin Blankendal, which The Royal Gazette has obtained a copy of.

In the letter he wrote: “Good evening gentlemen, I write out of great concern about the fixture schedule that has been devised for and circulated regarding the upcoming BCB season. I refer specifically to both the T20 and 50 overs league fixture lists as they pertain to the venues cited at present.

“As you are well aware, both leagues are scheduled for only five matches for each team. This means that all Premier teams will play a total of ten league matches.

“Now to the crux of this current schedule. The imbalance that exists in the schedule is mind boggling. Quite evident is the unfairness and lack of any balance or endeavour to establish a semblance of balance. How so? Here are the facts:

“St David’s Cricket County Club, who won the 50 overs league last year, are scheduled for only two homes games in total.

“St George’s Cricket Club, who won the 40-over knock-out competition last year, play Southampton Rangers away in both leagues and Bailey’s Bay at Sea Breeze Oval in both leagues.

“What this means is that St David’s Cricket County Club will play a total of eight away matches.

“St George’s Cricket Club will play only two home games in each league, for a total of four home games out of ten.

“Has the sizes of the respective aforementioned fields been taken into consideration? Has the impact this will have on our aspiring international players who will surely need to adapt to the tactical nuances that exist when playing on overseas grounds, been considered?

“Still, quite simply, contrast the aforementioned data regarding home games provided to the two East End clubs, with the fact that the Southampton Rangers are scheduled to play seven of their ten league matches at their home field. It leaves one to wonder, ‘how can this be justified?’

“As a venue for T20 cricket, another variable one should be mindful of, in respect to the size of any grounds, is the number of cricket balls that are likely to be required for this type of match.

“The Royal Gazette noted that the combination of Isaiah O’Brien and Ricardo Brangman [of St David’s] hammered a combined 13 sixes at the Somerset Cricket Club, while Davin Dill, of PHC, blasted eight sixes himself during his match there versus Rangers.

“What’s the point? Imagine the amount of sixes that are likely to transpire at the Southampton Oval this season if seven of ten matches remain there as indicated.

“Also, was any consideration given to the subsequent financial cost to clubs in respect to lost cricket balls? Surely larger grounds such as Lord’s in St David’s would serve as a more logical venue for a greater number of T20 matches than two.”

Smith also mentioned in the letter that concerns over the schedule had been brought to the attention of the BCB before the season began.

“During the Sports Award ceremony on Saturday, March 14 2026, the above flaws in this schedule was pointed out to both the president and vice-president of the BCB,” he wrote.

“The latter gentleman indicated that the schedule was ‘just a draft schedule at that time and as such it was open to logistical recommendation’ that could be discussed.

“On the subsequent Monday, on March 16 2026, the BCB held a meeting of its affiliates. At this meeting, the St George’s Cricket Club coach Mr Clay Smith articulated this gross imbalance to the BCB representatives present.

“It appears that suggestions have been either overlooked or ignored. If the latter is true, then why should club representatives feel they should attend such meetings?

“In conclusion, please note that the purpose of this e-mail is to shed some light on a flawed schedule.

“It is hoped that some obvious adjustments can be made prior to the season commencing. Surely, this will lead to a more balanced and fairer schedule that is in the best interest of all.”

The Royal Gazette has reached out to the BCB for comment.

Meanwhile, the Premier Division T20 campaign ramps up this weekend with the top contenders squaring off against each other in fixtures that will have a strong bearing on the outcome of the title race.

Champions St David’s face fellow unbeaten side Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval today, while St George’s, the remaining unbeaten side in the division, take on Cup Match rivals Somerset at Somerset Cricket Club with Bailey’s Bay hosting PHC at Sea Breeze Oval.

The T20 Premier Division title race then continues to heat up tomorrow with Bailey’s Bay hosting Eastern Counties rivals St David’s at Sea Breeze Oval, Southampton Rangers face St George’s at Southampton Oval, while PHC and Somerset will do battle at PHC Field.

In the T20 First Division, unbeaten Warwick and Devonshire will look to make further inroads in their title and promotion bids over the weekend.

Flatts host Warwick at Lord’s, Willow Cuts face Devonshire at Somerset Cricket Club, while Cleveland County and Somerset Bridge will lock horns at Sea Breeze Oval today.

First Division play also continues tomorrow with Warwick taking on Cleveland at PHC Field, Somerset Bridge are away to Willow Cuts at Southampton Oval, while Flatts and Devonshire will clash at Sea Breeze Oval.

All Premier Division fixtures commence at 10.30am and First Division at 2.30pm.