Cricket locally continues to suffer with the sad news that the director of the sport Arnold Manders has resigned.

After recently receiving news that only ten teams will qualify for the next World Cup, this is another major blow to our national sport.

Could this be the sign that it is time for a complete facelift in cricket? There is a saying, "Out with the old in with the new," and this could be the indication that it is time for new faces and new blood to take over our national sport to help revamp and revive the sport.

Coincidentally, the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) are about to have their AGM later this month. I urge and encourage a change in administration so that new fresh ideas can be birthed.

There is no argument regarding those at the helm who have the best interests of cricket in their heart. However, they have been around since the days when I started cricket some 25 years ago. Times have changed and cricket needs change.

The current president, Reggie Pearman, has already said this will be his last term and I congratulate him on his efforts. If there is going to be change at the top then let's go all the way. It's nothing personal . . . it's necessary.

Just weeks ago Bermuda received news that only ten teams will go to the World Cup. Arnold's departure comes at the wrong time when our cricket is in dire need of development and massive improvement. To make matters worse, if what I read is true, his position will not be filled thus leaving a void that someone will have to pick up. By process of elimination the pressure will be put on coach David Moore to perform this dual role.

If you recall some years ago I made mention that Bermuda was being singled out when changes were made to the World Cup structure. People made several comments – the article was posted world-wide.

Several local fans and sports pundits made various comments towards what seemed a far-fetched conclusion. However, a year and a half later let the truth be told. When the changes were first made no one seemed to really care because it didn't affect the so-called major teams. However, now not only does this decision affect Bermuda, but all Associate teams. Wow! I wonder what the buzz is now that Ireland, Scotland, Kenya and all the other top Associate teams look to be missing out on the World Cup stage.

So what prompted this decision one may wonder? Some say money, some say politics but no matter what prompted this decision it is definitely the wrong decision and it is not in the best interests of the game globally. World Cup is supposed to be just that, World Cup. How can a World Cup be played between just ten teams – that is a joke.

However, we as a country cannot let this stop us from continuing our growth. We have to find ways to improve our overall standards.

I know there are people working diligently behind the scenes putting things together, formulating ideas to restructure our programme so that we can have a sound league next year and in years to come. However, you can have all the ideas in the world, but if you don't have the right personnel in place, then those ideas will never get off the ground and fall flat, leaving cricket stagnant for another decade.

It is important that those holding a seat on the BCB have not lost their passion and are looking to raise the standard of all aspects of the game no matter what it takes. Having chatted with some who have been there in the past, one issue is that club representatives are selected and very seldom come to the meetings.

Cricket needs cricket lovers, people who are going to make a difference. It would be nice to see guys like Roger Trott, Albert Steede, Dean Minors, Terry Fray, just to name a few, join the BCBC and help make a difference.

One thing I must stress is that whoever is selected during the AGM they need to make themselves visible throughout the season. In recent years some players weren't even aware of whom their executives were because they were never seen at national squad games or training sessions. Bermuda cricket is yearning for cricket fanatics with fresh ideas coupled with a business background.

When I say fresh ideas I am talking about marketing cricket, sponsorship ideas, developing school/club relationships, getting the community more involved.

Here is an example. There is one thing that really gets under my skin and has done so for years – our cricket country logo. The cricket logo is nothing more than a clip art with the Cricket Board name around it.

This is where we can develop relationships with the public by having an Island-wide contest. Whoever can come up with the best design for the Bermuda Cricket Board can win a $300 travel voucher. This will raise public interest and the winner can be announced during a special press conference with the new logo and clothing.

The reality is cricket worldwide is slowly declining, evident by just looking at some of the top World Cup teams and if we are not careful we will lose our national sport to another. We have already lost our Minister of Sport, as sport no longer has its own portfolio.

Let us not forget the history behind our local cricket, with it being the only sport that is synonymous with the most important part of our heritage with a two-day holiday. It reaches out to thousands of kids Island-wide, a vital role in developing our youth in life lessons. Having said that I hope that the cricket members realise the importance of having the right people in place to run this sport. Cricket is at a state whereby I must say, "If you do not have the sport at heart then stay away."