News of the cancellation of the World Cup qualifying series in Los Angeles appears to have had a negative affect on Bermuda's national cricket squad.

Just a handful of players showed up for training on Saturday at the National Sports Centre, their numbers being almost matched by the few dedicated coaches in attendance.

Apparently left in an embarrassing position, national coach Mark Harper was reluctant to comment on the recent developments, directing any related questions to Bermuda Cricket Board of Control executives when contacted.

However, president Reggie Pearman was more positive, saying that the Board would be meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the cancellation and would talk about alternative plans for the squad.

“As far as the situation with the players is concerned, I haven't talked with the coach yet. All I can say is that we are having an executive meeting . . . and we have to go on from there and make plans after that,” said Pearman.

The International Cricket Council recently pulled the plug on the tournament over a lack of finances and the move seems to have knocked the heart out of Bermuda's players when it comes to training.

The tournament in Los Angeles, combined with a pre-tournament tour of Trinidad and Tobago on May 8, where the team was to attend a training camp and play a few competitive matches, had received a great deal of interest from players who had shown apathy towards early training.

That situation now appears to have changed.

The Board now have to move in haste to revive the momentum of the players with a trump card being to continue with the tour of Trinidad and Tobago as an incentive for squad members.

Last week Pearman said he was hopeful that the tour of the Caribbean would go ahead and also hinted that negotiations were ongoing to have Bermuda involved in the Red Stripe Bowl this summer.

“We have been negotiating with representatives of the West Indies Cricket Board over the past six months regarding Bermuda participating in the Red Stripe Bowl,” he said. “We believe the 2003 competition is scheduled for September and would represent an excellent opportunity for competitive cricket and development of our senior side.”

Meanwhile, there has been no further word from the Board about the confirmation of the start of the new cricket season. Two weeks ago they advised that the tentative date was the weekend of May 10-11, the delay coming about because of the unavailability of several grounds.