National cricket coach Allan Douglas intends to crack down on those players who have reneged on a pledge to give up soccer during the build-up to next year's ICC Trophy in Malaysia.

Douglas said yesterday he would be more strict in the New Year, insisting that cricketers refrain from playing not only soccer, but also other competitive sports, once the national squad returns from the tour to Guyana.

Two-sport stars such as Clay Smith, Del Hollis and Janeiro Tucker have still been appearing in First Division soccer matches against the wishes of the coach, although his request for them to quit was never etched in stone.

But that will all change in 1997.

"In the New Year they will be more committed because as soon as the national team return from Guyana I hope to pick the ICC squad early, and once it is selected the players are not going to play soccer much longer,'' said Douglas.

"I'm confident that their commitment then will be fully towards getting in top shape and ready for the tough task ahead of us in Malaysia.'' Douglas expressed his views while releasing names of the touring squad this week, a selection that gives several young players the chance to challenge for positions because of the unavailability or injuries to stalwarts such as like Clay Smith, Glen Smith, Kameron Fox and Roger Blades.

However, those not travelling to the Caribbean remain very much a part of Douglas' plans.

Glenn Smith is one who still has his sights set on a place in the ICC squad as he recovers from a hamstring injury picked up during the recent tour of Guyana.

"It's getting much better, I didn't expect to be considered for the trip this time but hopefully I will be able to train before the squad goes. I definitely will be bidding for a place in the ICC team,'' said Smith.

"I'm making a lot of progress. I can do anything without experiencing any pain right now, stuff like running and a few stretches. I'm looking forward to being a part of the national team's commitments in 1997.'' Meanwhile, BCBC president Ed Bailey this week shed some light on the late switch of the tour from Jamaica to Guyana.

"We were originally scheduled to go to Jamaica but we had great problems getting there because the airlines were so solidly booked as it is a holiday resort. It's unfortunate because Jamaica sent us such a lovely itinerary,'' said Bailey.

"So as to continue with the programme, our only option was to go back to Guyana just after Christmas and then get back here for early January.

"We've approached the Guyanese board to arrange five or six matches for us and the arrangements they make are expected to be finalised and confirmed by the weekend.'' Allan Douglas