The North Field at the National Sports Centre will eventually become the home of Bermudian cricket, Sports Minister Dale Butler insisted yesterday.

But the Bermuda Cricket Board will have to remain patient for now, he added, until the infamous NSC square has been put in proper order and the long-awaited Centre Core is complete.

Though they have been reluctant to go on record with their frustrations, understands that many within the BCB are adamant that the North Field should be a first class cricket ground and not the multi-purpose facility that it is now, used for such sports as rugby and junior football ? particularly when the football stadium?s pitch is so infrequently used.

These feelings have been strengthened this week by the magnificence of the set up at the 20-20 World Cricket Classic, with the former head of English cricket Lord MacLaurin comparing the NSC?s current appearance with that of an English county ground.

As has been well-documented, Bermuda were granted One Day International status as a result of qualifying for the World Cup ? a status which expires in 2009 when Bermuda will once again have to qualify at the ICC Trophy.

The Island does not yet possess a facility capable of hosting One Day Internationals and BCB president Reggie Pearman has already said how keen they are to have such a facility at their disposal as soon as possible ? preferably before Bermuda have to put their status on the line.

And though Butler?s assurances over the Government?s ultimate ambitions for the ground will provide them with some comfort, the lack of a definitive timeline means that the BCB cannot be sure they will have a permanent home in three years time.

?We all know what fantastic potential this field has and one day it is the Government?s fervent wish that it will become the home of cricket,? Butler said yesterday evening, warming up his vocal chords for Bermuda?s clash with England.

?There are a number of things holding us up. First is the issue with the pitch and making sure we use the right soil. The Ministry of the Environment is currently doing its research on how other countries have dealt with the issue and are expected to report back to Cabinet in a couple of months.

?The next is the Centre Core, which we were supposed to be breaking ground on in January, but due to a succession of minor hold-ups, that has not yet happened. We do expect to break ground on it in August and then it is a matter of finding the money to finance it ? whether by raising taxes or working with the corporate sector.

?The Centre Core will have first class facilities available for cricket which we will ensure are in line with the requisite standards.

?One thing you?ve got to remember, though, is that we were criticised by some people for investing $1m in this event, but now that everybody has seen how wonderful the ground looks and seen a little bit of the entire vision we have for this place, they have started to change their tune.

?Getting the entire facility ready is going to cost the Government a fortune, whether it is building the Centre Core, laying down the soil for the square or purchasing all the seating that you can see around the ground right now.

?All I can do is ask the Bermudian public for patience because our vision for this place is significant and it is not going to happen overnight.?