currently being used in the annual Cup Match classic, saying that a change in format was needed to restore its prestige and enhance the overall status of the game locally.

Sobers was visiting the Island as a representative of the Barbados Tourism Authority, along with sports promotion officer Morris Greenidge, to promote next year's Caribbean Atlantic Cup quadrangular tournament involving Bermuda, Canada, United States and Barbados, which will take place in Barbados from April 11 to 18.

Sobers declared that something must be done to ensure a Cup Match winner each year.

"The Cup Match I know is a tradition and therefore tradition dies hard, but if they're going to improve cricket they have to look at the competition. They must change it in some form or fashion, maybe make it overs in the first innings and then everybody goes for the win in the second. Or make it a win on first innings and the team that wins on first innings keeps the match at their ground and keeps it there until they lose on first innings,'' suggested Sobers, the previous record holder for highest individual Test score -- 365 against Pakistan -- before it was shattered last year by Brian Lara, who scored 375 against England.

Later he added: "If someone is lucky to win in a two innings game then fair enough, but that is the only way I can see improvement and that will make people go there and try to play cricket instead of one team going to bat for eight hours for 240 odd runs, knowing very well that if the game is a draw they will retain the cup. Then you don't see cricket, because cricket is a game which every time you compete there should be an incentive or something to play for. Unless you have a match where you know that there's got to be a winning situation, whether on first innings or outright, then it makes it very boring and also for the spectators.'' Sobers said that he noticed a decline in spectators at this year's event at St. George's, another drawn affair. He said that in the past walking about the grounds was all but impossible, while last Thursday saw him able to roam comfortably.

He added that his discussions with local cricket buffs promoted the same idea, that the game had become boring and more were inclined to spend the holiday on the beach or camping out.

He said this was not a good omen for the sport.

Asked about his views on the current standard in Bermuda in comparison to his homeland, and how the Island might fare in a competitions such as the Caribbean Atlantic Cup, Sobers indicated that he had not seen enough of the local game to make an evaluation. Still, he was convinced that participation in the Cup would be a positive experience.

"Over the years I haven't seen a lot of cricket and have only seen a few Cup Matches and it is very difficult to judge from the Cup Matches,'' he said.

"I can remember when I used to come here back in the '60s and '70s and Bermuda cricket was very strong. Bermuda had a very, very great bowler in (Clarence) Parfitt and they had a lot of good players, Rupert Scotland, Bummy Symonds, Charles Daulphin, Mackie Simmons, Lloyd James. I don't think, although cricket over the years has progressed, that Bermuda has been able to live up to that and find players of similar calibre. I would think that if they were to be exposed more to cricket in the Caribbean it would help them to develop and become better players.

"But as I said before, if Bermuda is to improve they've got to play more games in the Caribbean. Their cricket will certainly improve because there are a lot of good players here that only need the exposure to that type of cricket. I don't think that playing in the qualifying matches once a year is enough to improve cricket. If they can get more exposure to three and four day cricket their game would improve and that's what they need.'' Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) president Ed Bailey agreed with Sobers' remarks and emphasised the importance of Bermuda maintaining a strong link with their southern neighbours. The eventual goal, he said, would be to participate in the noted Red Stripe competition.

"Bermuda's always been anxious to have very strong ties with the Caribbean,'' said Bailey. "History will record that there were times when we did have a close relationship, there were times when a decision was made by the past president when Bermuda became autonomous and became a separate member of the ICC and separated us from the West Indies Board.

"I speak with the West Indies authorities when we meet at the ICC meetings and try to arrange all sorts of matches between Bermuda.

"Just chatting now and seeing the formation of the United States, Canada and Barbados tournament, this is great how doors are opening up for us.''