end of the ICC Trophy Tournament in Kenya next March will be decided at a Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) meeting next Tuesday, revealed president Ed Bailey yesterday.

Bailey said that the board had received information that the opening batsman participated in a recent soccer game, but indicated that the association was in no position to confirm whether the report was factual or not.

"Actually, I have just been made aware of it today. I cannot make any further comment about the matter right now, but I know that we will definitely have it tabled at the meeting on Tuesday,'' said Bailey.

Hill offered no comment on the issue when contacted yesterday.

The board met yesterday and is believed to have discussed more pressing issues that concern the Bermuda team and its build-up for Kenya -- a venture that will apparently cost far more than first thought.

Bailey conceded yesterday that the board was concerned that some employers were unwilling to compensate the players during the estimated five-week jaunt to Kenya and that urgent attempts would have to be made to find additional money for this purpose.

While he was grateful that the employers had no hesitation to release the players so that they can represent their country, Bailey said that there will be an overall escalation in cost for the ICC campaign because far more employers than expected were unwilling to compensate the players while they were away.

"Some have just said that they are unable to carry the financial burden for an extended period and this means that our original budget will be exceeded by about $30,000,'' said Bailey.

"But the board feels that this additional cost does not mean that the pre-ICC tour to Jamaica on Boxing Day will be jeopardised in any way, we view it as a necessary ingredient to condition the players for Kenya and is very much a part of the Kenya tour.'' According to the president, the onus is now on the board to reach out to the business community and the public at large for the necessary financial support and he is hopeful that the response will be just as good as it was for the Bermuda soccer team during its fund-raising endeavours for the World Cup last year.

"We will just have to get on the doorsteps and go to get the support to ensure that the players leave without any financial burdens,'' said Bailey.

Bailey also confirmed that in addition to the two matches scheduled against the Jamaican Red Stripe champions on December 28 and 30, Bermuda will also play local champions Melbourne CC, Lucas CC, Kingston CC and Clarendon CC.

Any member of the public wishing to contribute to the ICC Trophy campaign is urged to either make their donations directly to the officers of the cricket board on Burnaby Street between Church and Victoria Street or to make their cheques to the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, P.O. Box 991, Hamilton 5.