Bermuda national cricket team manager and selector El James has ruled himself out for the upcoming tours of Trinidad, England and possibly July's Stanford Twenty/20 assignment in Antigua due to personal commitments.

The former Bermuda Cricket Board president and parliamentarian says he has taken a leave of absence to oversee extensive renovations at his Warwick residence and help in preparations for his daughter's wedding.

James was appointed to the manager's post in February of 2005.

Over the past 15 months the former Warwick and Somerset Cup Match all-rounder has accompanied Bermuda's national team on tours of Trinidad (twice), England, Ireland, Canada, Namibia and Dubai.

"I have informed the Board that I cannot make the trip to Trinidad (this week) and possibly England as well because at this particular time I just have too much on my plate," James told .

"I have a daughter getting married in July and the schedule as it is is probably one of the most demanding schedules we've ever seen for any sport in Bermuda.

"The public cry down on the guys but when you look at the schedule I think people need to be cognisant of the sacrifice every player and everyone involved is making leading up to the World Cup. It's not easy and not just for the players but also for the employers and families as well."

Bermuda depart for Trinidad on Wednesday where they will have a warm-up match against a local club XI in preparations for official One-Day Internationals against Canada and Zimbabwe at Queen's Park Oval, the venue where the Island's national cricket team will play their World Cup Group B matches next March.

Following the squad's tour of Trinidad ? the second in less than a month ? Bermuda are scheduled to tour England and Guernsey in June and Antigua in July.

"These heavy commitments take a toll on the players, their families, employers . . . everyone," James said. "I hope the public realise what it is these guys are doing.

"But at this particular point in time I find it impossible to meet this schedule and demand because I have some projects that I have to complete and some family commitments. It's just too much for me to be away that amount of time."

James informed as far back as last year's summer's ICC Intercontinental Cup Americas Group Tournament in Toronto that he was contemplating taking a break at some point to tend to personal matters.

"I've spoken to the Board and they have voiced their support in what I have achieved thus far and as it stands I am still there (as manager) but just not available at this particular time," he said.

"I haven't resigned . . . I've just stepped back. But if they find a suitable replacement then I'll gladly let them go because at this particular point in time it's a matter of me getting my priorities straight."