Had the National Sports Centre (NSC) been completed then Bermuda might have had a mini-dress rehearsal this summer for its 2007 Cricket World Cup ambitions.

President of the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) Reggie Pearman confirmed yesterday that the Island turned down an invitation from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to host one of two Test matches which Bangladesh will play when they tour the region shortly.

“We had asked Bangladesh if they would stop to play a match here on their way back from the Caribbean. What came out of that was the WICB (asking) if there was a possibility we could host a Test match.

“We looked at it with Government and everyone else and we made a decision there wasn't any way we would be ready to host an event like that,” explained Pearman.

“There's so much involved. It's not just the cricket. The stadium has got to cater for radio and television coverage. You've got to have stump cameras and focal points for international broadcasting on television.

“A lot of factors were involved in such a short space of time and our stadium definitely wouldn't have been ready.”

The prospect of hosting a Test, he added, was exacerbated by Hurricane Fabian's damage to the NSC as well as Government having to redirect funds for emergency purposes after that disaster last September 5.

Bangladesh - the lowest-ranked and the newest side to enter the Test arena - are set to battle Brian Lara's men in three One-Day Internationals and two Tests from mid-May, following England's tour of the West Indies. It is understood Bermuda was offered the second Test which will now be held June 4-8 in Jamaica.

Pearman said he doubts the Asian team will stop here at all now though they have not replied definitevely. However, he is hopeful they will do so another time.

The BCB chief is also optimistic about the Island's chances of hosting an international West Indies match at some juncture.

“We have good contacts in the West Indies who are looking out for our interests and we appreciate that.

“We can plan for the future for some One-Day Internationals or something like that,” he said, noting this location could be a strong option once Bermuda gets up to par.

Meanwhile, personnel from various firms are on the Island meeting with Government and the private sector relating to Bermuda's quest to be a World Cup host country in 2007 when cricket's biggest spectacle is held in the West Indies.

Government has retained consultancy firm Brailsford & Dunlavey of Washington D.C. - specialists in facility planning and project management - to assist in this venture. The visiting team also includes an environmental planner from Stewart Engineering Inc of North Carolina and a representative from sports and entertainment management group Positive Impact, from New Jersey.

“They have been extremely busy since they arrived on Sunday... meeting with ministries and the private sector. It's from one meeting to the next every day,” said Sports Minister Dale Butler.

“The Brailsford & Dunlavey team has tremendous experience evaluating the qualifications and resources of a city and its venues to host events such as World Cup matches. They have successfully bid for and managed international events, so they can bring additional expertise to our efforts as we move through the bid process.”

As for the earnest manner in which Government appears to be approaching the World Cup, the Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the process, saying “it's always been our intention to pursue this to the very best of our ability”.

Vice President of Brailsford & Dunlavey Brian Hanlon can list the Olympics, Goodwill Games and FIFA World Cup among the world-class events with which they have been involved.

“Our team is a consortium of experts with bid experience, stadium design, finance, media operations and other games management expertise.

“We are excited to work with Government and the BCB to determine Bermuda's next steps for the World Cup,” he said.

BCB Secretary Charlotte (Molly) Simmons represented the board at a function in Antigua recently where all countries vying to host World Cup matches received the Bid Book. The BCB and Government are currently reviewing this document which spells out everything territories must have in place to contend for matches.

Pearman stressed that as 90 percent of World Cup matches are already earmarked for the West Indies, Bermuda will be bidding to be included in the remaining ten percent of venues.

Government and the BCB will get further insight into what is required next weekend when Butler and other officials attend Venue Summit II on the 2007 Cricket World Cup in Barbados.

“We want to send a strong message that Bermuda is very serious about hosting international matches,” said the Minister who will lead the Island's delegation.