year or early in 1995 if an invitation to tour the Indian sub-continent is accepted.

The visiting Hyderabad Blues have offered to host Bermuda on a reciprocal tour between October and January and it has been left to Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) president Ed Bailey and his executive to decide on whether such a venture is feasible.

Promised is a line-up of top Indian club and company sponsored sides that would contain both current and past international players. The initial outlook is for Bermuda to spend three weeks roaming the various provinces and playing up to four matches a week.

"The standard here in Bermuda is pretty good, but you need more international exposure against good teams and we can offer that,'' said assistant team manager Sandip Guha. "We will give them the top club and company teams that will have a combination of Test players as well as our best youth players. The competition would be a lot tougher than you see here (with the Hyderabad team).'' He noted teams such as the Steel Authority of India, and ONGC, which contains second string Test wicket-keeper Vijay Yadav, as possible opponents, adding that these were of similar if not superior calibre to English county sides.

Meanwhile, Bailey said that the offer would be considered, but that it was too early to make a definite decision.

"Obviously we're honoured to get the invitation,'' said Bailey. "In preparation for the 1997 ICC tournament it is necessary to get as much exposure as possible. West Indies and England thus far has been the only outlet and this is another that is opening up.

"It certainly looks like an opportunity that we would definitely like to honour.'' Financing is a major concern, but Bailey was confident that sponsors could be found to help off-set costs.

Meanwhile, the president confirmed a 1995 tour of Bermuda by Australia and also intimated that Bermuda's facilities and programme had received initial approval for the hosting of the 1997 International Youth tournament.