Representatives from Bermuda's cricket community are currently engaged in significant discussions on both regional and international fronts, attending key conventions that will shape the future of the sport. From umpiring standards in the Caribbean to crucial playing condition debates at the highest level, Bermuda is ensuring its voice is heard.
WICUA Convention Underway in Trinidad
The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires Council (TTCUC) is currently playing host to the 31st Biennial Convention of the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA). Taking place at the Cascadia Hotel in St Anns, the event has drawn over 80 delegates and observers from ten regional cricketing territories, including a representative from Bermuda.
The initial three days of the convention have been dedicated to the general council meeting, which included the important election of officers for the 2025-2027 term. The focus of the convention is set to shift on July 17th, when proceedings move to Penal. A highlight of this segment will be a keenly-contested T20 cricket match at the Clarke Road Recreation Ground, pitting a WICUA XI against a TTCUC XI.
The convention will conclude on July 18th, with a ceremony to present certificates to those who successfully passed WICUA’s Level Three examination in 2024, followed by the president’s banquet.
ICC Annual Conference in Singapore Addresses Key Issues
Meanwhile, on the global stage, Bermuda Cricket Board President Lloyd Smith and CEO Calvin Blankendal are attending the annual conference of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Singapore. The high-level meetings are tentatively scheduled from July 17th to 20th, and are expected to yield several key decisions impacting the sport worldwide.
A significant point of discussion is the recent recommendations from the Cricket Committee, chaired by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, regarding changes to the Playing Conditions. It is understood that the ICC is considering forming a Working Group specifically to examine these proposals. Among the more notable suggestions is the idea of using a single ball from the 25th over onwards in One-Day Internationals, a move intended to reintroduce reverse swing into the game.
The future format of the Under 19 Men's World Cup is also on the agenda, with suggestions to transition it to a T20 format, mirroring the successful Women's Under 19 World Cup. Currently, the men's tournament is played in the 50-over format.
Furthermore, momentum is reportedly building around the issue of T20 qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The debate centres on whether qualification should be determined by dedicated tournaments rather than current rankings, a topic expected to be thoroughly discussed during the ICC meetings.
The presence of Bermudian officials at both these crucial gatherings underscores the island's commitment to staying abreast of and influencing developments in cricket at all levels.
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