Belco have laid down the gauntlet to the employers of other national team cricketers by giving fast bowler Kevin Hurdle unlimited paid leave for the next year to prepare himself for the 2007 World Cup.

CEO Garry Madeiros said yesterday that Hurdle would continue to work in the company?s main energy supply plant when not training or travelling abroad with the national side while underlining Belco?s determination to do all that they can to help him and the team.

The announcement was made in collaboration with the Bermuda Cricket Board and is part of their ongoing quest to persuade all employers to work with them in such a hectic year of international cricket.

BCB president Reggie Pearman was keen to stress yesterday that in the vast majority of cases, the Board has had little trouble persuading the players? bosses to grant them time off work.

However, the absence of allrounder Delyone Borden for the Tri-Series in Trinidad last month as well as Lionel Cann from the recently concluded UK tour ? both of whom, among other things, blamed work commitments for their unavailability ? clearly indicates that there is not yet universal co-operation.

?We are extremely hopeful that other companies will follow Belco?s lead in this regard,? said Pearman.

?On the whole our relationship with employers is very good ? this past year has been a learning experience for all of us and there were always going to be times when things might not run as smoothly as we would have liked.

?But I think everybody is starting to realise that Bermuda cricket is well and truly on the international stage now which is a very competitive place.

?So it is very important that we are preparing the players in the best way we can and making sure that it is a united effort between the Board, the Government, the employers and the players.?