The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) has signaled a significant change in philosophy for the national program, opting to implement a specialized coaching panel rather than appointing a single head coach for the upcoming international season.
Speaking recently, BCB President Lloyd Smith confirmed that while the board is currently negotiating with one primary candidate, they have established a four-man technical group to lead the 25-man training squad.
This panel, described as a temporary measure until a permanent lead is "nailed down," consists of local coaches Herbie Bascome, George O’Brien Jr., and Janeiro Tucker, who will work alongside on-island Indian coach Mahesh Hatkar.
Smith emphasized that this structure allows the high-performance committee to address specific technical areas—including batting and bowling—while ensuring the squad remains prepared for the heavy schedule ahead.
Despite the looming deadline of the North American Cup in the Cayman Islands this April, the BCB remains confident that the lack of a permanent head coach will not hinder progress.
Smith revealed that if current negotiations fail to produce an appointment by the end of March, the board will reassess their options for the tactical leadership on the boundary.
The high-performance committee maintains that their current focus is a long-term, two-year program designed to peak during the T20 World Cup qualifiers in 2027, rather than strictly for the immediate sub-regional qualifiers being hosted in Bermuda this June. The board also has continued access to West Indies consultant Andre Coley, who remains available to support the local panel during this transition phase.
The delay in securing a permanent successor to Cal Waldron—who has transitioned to the role of Director of Coaching—has been attributed largely to financial realities.
President Smith was transparent regarding the board's limitations, stating that while they have the ambition to hire top-tier talent, they must operate within "budgetary constraints". "We can get whoever we want if we have the proper budget, but unfortunately we don't have endless resources," Smith noted, adding that the board is actively seeking a candidate who fits their specific financial framework. For now, the national team will continue their preparations under the guidance of the new panel, with a clear mandate to elevate local standards from the youth levels up to the senior squad.
