which will see the formation of one single league and the banishment of open cricket in favour of limited overs this season.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James said yesterday that the moves were popular with the players, fans and majority of the clubs and noted that he hoped it would benefit the sport at large.

The season officially gets underway on Sunday, May 2.

"The changes should lead to a more exciting season for everybody, although a lot of people still feel that open cricket plays a good role in helping to develop players,'' said James.

"But the Board feels that the introduction of limited overs play is best for this particular time and if it doesn't prove to be then perhaps we can revert back to open play. Who knows?'' While unable to confirm the exact number of teams that would be participating in the one league he estimated that it could be about 15 or 16.

The president felt that the Board, while supporting the changes, were basically giving the public and the players what they desired -- a more interesting style of play that was guaranteed to supply a result.

He explained that since there wouldn't be any draws or even ties under the new format the public should be more inspired to come out in large numbers to give the sport and the clubs the necessary support.

The changes were mentioned at the Board's recent AGM and were brought back to the affiliates for approval after the governing body had further opportunities to discuss them among themselves and with the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association.

Some may question the unavailability of a second league for players unable to make their club's senior team, but James was quick to point out that the number of players in this category was so low that the consideration to operate a second league was not really warranted.

However, he added: "If our development programme progresses and we get new players advancing then perhaps we can see changes in the future, possibilities such as having us look at reverting back to open play and two day cricket and even another league.''