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Bermuda cricket’s success on the pitch is being mirrored off it.

The island was hailed this week as having the best cricket development programme in the America’s region — a shot in the arm for administrators at the Bermuda Cricket Board.

The ICC America’s award is in recognition of the behind the scenes work that has helped Bermuda become the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup. But BCB chief executive Neil Speight said the success of the national team was just part of it.

Improved governance, efficient and professional management as well as the development of youth programmes and putting together long-term plans to grow the game, were all considered.

Some of the highlights of the BCB’s bid included the 9-month training plan it produced for the ICC Trophy in Ireland and the four-year strategic plan produced in the aftermath of that tournament — which led to Government’s unprecedented $11m investment. Increasing international competition for the island's youth teams, improving training opportunities for coaches and umpires and the extension of youth clinics, were also listed among the BCB’s achievements.

The ability to attract sponsors, to audit the books properly and to show how the money of contributors was being spent, was also a key factor. Speight said it was a validation of the hard work that went on behind the scenes at the BCB and a further sign that money being ploughed into cricket was money well spent. “It’s about good management, good governance and outstanding cricket opportunities.

“It’s recognition that we are on the right path. Our goal is to be the best associate nation. “That doesn’t just mean beating Kenya, Scotland and Ireland on the pitch it means being the nation that other countries model themselves on.”

He said the progress would continue as the board modified its structures to fit its new status as a multi-million dollar organization. Bermuda will now compete for the Global Awards to be announced on March 30, 2006.[[In-content Ad]]

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