A four point plan for spending Government?s $11m cricket investment was revealed yesterday, with the Bermuda Cricket Board releasing some of the detail of their ambitions for the next four-and-a-half years.

Government announced the unprecedented cash injection last month in a fanfare of nationalist chest-beating although details of how the money would be spent remained sketchy with the cricketing community instead caught up with the Namibia tour.

But with the African adventure now over, the BCB issued a statement yesterday putting some flesh on the bones of the five-year cash boost.

?We are very excited and grateful for the recognition by Government of the achievements of the Bermuda Cricket Board in both its development programmes and the success of the national cricket team,? said BCB president Reggie Pearman.

?The Premier and the Government have laid a long-term foundation for the future of the country?s cricket program and as previously mentioned, the BCB has developed a four year strategic plan to cement our deserved standing as an elite Associate country.?

He laid out the BCB?s goals as:

lBe competitive at the 2007 World Cup;

lWin the ICC Trophy in 2009 and therefore re-qualify for the 2011 World Cup;

lEstablish a new era of cricket across the country through developmental programs, youth schemes and infrastructure upgrades;

lIncrease enjoyment and participation of all those in the game.

?It is important to note that the investment provided by Government, and the complementary private sector funding we plan to secure, is to be used over a 54 month period reaching all aspects of the game,? continued Pearman.

?The BCB is currently feverishly working on its annual operating and development plans to ensure that the commitment is allocated in the most appropriate manner in pursuit of the strategic goals.

?Once the Board has approved the initial draft of the plan the Board will be convening a meeting with all clubs and coaches to receive their advice and feedback on the investment of the grant.?

As well as on-field investments, such as sending the national team abroad for the various competitions and friendlies that could see them jet out on at least eight separate occasions, there is also much work set to be done away from the senior squad.

?Administrative excellence and a new era of corporate structure and governance will be forthcoming as the BCB evolves itself to efficiently deploy its resources,? continued the president, at the airport to greet the players along with Premier Alex Scott upon their return from Namibia, where they were beaten by Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup semi-final.

?With increased funding comes increased responsibility. The Board is acutely aware and is actively pursing the internal structural issues that it needs to work through to be an organisation that can deliver the goals of the strategic plan.

?The governance and management of the BCB will follow best practices and there will have to be some changes, especially to the bye-laws and operational policies that will allow the Board to operate at this new higher level.?

The cricket scene on the Island is expected to alter beyond recognition in the coming years, as Bermuda goes through the same upheaval as nations such as Kenya and Namibia did when they went from competitive Associate nations to World Cup competitors.

Although it is unlikely Bermuda?s players will go pro ? as the Kenyans did ? there are expected to be many changes in how the players will be remunerated for their sacrifices and in the expectations of them both as national team competitors and role models.

The Island has made a significant step forward with the arrival of Glamorgan batting star David Hemp today, with the player expected to both offer runs aplenty to the national side as well his 15 years county cricket experience, MBA and coaching skills on the administrative and development side.

Concluding his Press statement, Pearman added a request for support and unity from the cricketing and local community.

?The Board recognise that it has set lofty goals, the pursuit of excellence and best practice shall be relentless as we continue to evolve,? he added.

?I call on each and every person and corporate body in this great country to support your National Sport Governing Body the BCB, support its cricket program and developmental strategies, and to support your heritage and culture that lives in our National Sport, the great game of cricket.?