Under-19 World Cup qualifiers could be moved up to November

Bermuda’s Under 19 cricketers could be involved in 2012 World Cup qualifiers before the end of the year.

Regional qualifiers originally scheduled to take place next spring could potentially take place in either Florida or Argentina as early as November.

The eventual top two teams from the Americas region will advance to the next phase of World Cup qualifiers.

The second phase of qualifiers, to be held in Ireland next July, will see eight ICC Associate countries face off in a round robin format, with the eventual top six earning the right to compete at the 2012 World Cup against Full ICC members such as Australia.

The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) is expected to announce a provisional Under 19 training squad in the upcoming weeks.

There are plans to involve Under 19 cricketers in a proposed ‘All Star’ league featuring the island’s elite cricketers in October.

The league could boast as many as four teams with matches likely to be staged at the National Sports Centre or Sea Breeze Oval.

Bermuda’s Under 19s impressed at this summer’s Sir Garfield Sobers Invitational Youth Tournament in Barbados, where they finished seventh among the 22 participating teams.

Among those who could possibly be drafted into the Under 19 national programme is Cleveland County promising all-rounder Damali Bell.

The promising teen recently shone brightly on his Eastern Counties debut, claiming four wickets as a colt to help Cleveland cling to the cup.

Meanwhile, it is understood Under 19 players Kirk Brown and Winton Woodley have yet to appear before a BCB disciplinary committee to face charges of bringing the game into disrepute.

The pair were sent home early from the Sir Garfield Sobers Invitational Youth Tournament after refusing to suit up for a match.

Both refused to play after being overlooked to open Bermuda’s bowling attack. Woodley and Brown have already been suspended by their local club sides Western Stars and Somerset Cricket Club for their actions in Barbados earlier this summer.