Bermudian cricketers to play in Sri Lanka in January.

Elvin James, president of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, jets out of the Island today to meet with an ICC representative and officials from other countries in the Americas region, geared towards assembling a youth team for the World Junior Cricket Championships in the Asian country.

James reckoned it was likely a regional team would be chosen for the first time, composed of young players from Bermuda, Canada, Argentina and the United States.

"This is an extremely exciting development for us, the teams in the region and Bermuda youths, who will once again benefit from the youth programme that we have been able to revive during the past two years,'' said James.

James felt that Bermuda and Canada would provide the bulk of the team.

Randy Horton, BCBC vice-president and chairman of its Youth Development Committee, was just as ecstatic about the news, regarding it as a gigantic "opening and great opportunity'' for any aspiring youth cricketer.

"From the outset we said that youth development would be one of our biggest priorities. The two tournaments we have had against Canada in Toronto and here combined with the formation of the Shell and BF&M Youth League during the summer months indicates just how much progress has been made,'' said Horton.

"Now several of our youngsters have a lifetime opportunity, to be offered the chance to represent a regional select squad and to travel all the way to Asia to play is something few would have imagined two years ago.'' The meeting, which was originally scheduled for Miami, will not also feature talks aimed at improving and establishing cricket competition between countries in the region at various levels.

"While we don't know much about the Sri Lanka situation, the important thing is that the region is going to send a team. The main task that lies ahead, I would think, is how we will be going about coming up with a pool of players and making a selection,'' said James.

"But we are really excited about the prospects of having so much coming out of these discussions that could open many international avenues for Bermuda cricket at various levels.'' After having hosted Canada in Bermuda this summer for the second youth tournament in a row, Bermuda were looking forward to going to Toronto for a third match-up next year but the format could change if plans are to get other countries involved.

"I assure our young cricketers there will definitely be a youth tournament next year, but whether there will be additional teams, we shall see. It's possible all countries in the region will participate for a new trophy, who knows?'' said James.

"The worst scenario will see our team playing against Canada alone as we have in the past two years, but the best would see the ICC assisting us in having a bigger tournament featuring other countries which would prove to be quite exciting.'' Bermuda's senior national team visited Canada this summer and played for a new tournament trophy, and the hope is also to build on that event.