ground to a screeching halt.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Ed Bailey confirmed to The Royal Gazette that money -- Pakistan's demands for more of it -- was the main contributory factor in the falling through of what was to be a seven-day, three-match visit by the reigning world champs in May of next year.

"They said that they wanted an appearance fee of $55,000 in total for three matches, which is higher than we have paid for any other team by far,'' said Bailey. "The board (BCBC) met on the matter and saw no way how we could meet their terms. We thought it ludicrous for them to make such demands.

"Normally arrangements are on the basis that we pay all expenses and if the tour is a success we can decide whether or not to share part of the gate.'' Indications are that the Asian country's soaring popularity since their triumph earlier this year at the World Cup in Australia, where they defeated England by 22 runs in the final, has fuelled a desire for an increased share of revenue.

This after initial talks between Bailey and Pakistan's cricket president in June at the National Cricket Conference had appeared fruitful, with no such requirements mentioned at the time.

The intention was to have them stop over in Bermuda following the conclusion of their tour of the West Indies before continuing home.

"What I'm disappointed about is that we met and I explained the situation and size of Bermuda,'' said Bailey . "I had hoped we had worked out a deal only to come home and find out everything we talked about had been disregarded.'' Agreement to Pakistan's terms may have amounted to financial suicide as it would have called for the shelling out of at least $100,000 by the BCBC, taking into account air fare, accommodation and other hidden expenses.

And with sponsorship hard to come by and not a whole lot to be derived from admission fees, the prospect of failing to break even from three matches -- and the threat of suffering through a rain-out -- was a risk they were unwilling to take.

Bailey summarily blasted the sport's giants for their lack of consideration for the smaller cricketing nations.

Said Bailey:"It aggrieves us that they have put money in front of cricket.

"They should be coming here for goodwill and the betterment of cricket throughout the world. All teams in the ICC (International Cricket Council) have an obligation to help lesser countries.'' The venture was to be used as part of Bermuda's build-up for the 1994 ICC tournament in Kenya and would have given local cricketers and spectators the opportunity to witness the sport at its highest level.

However, invitations have since which been sent out to the West Indies and England in hopes of luring formidable teams to local shores next summer.

The BCBC is eyeing the West Indies `A' team as one prospect and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) of England is also a possibility, but there has been no definite response from either as yet.

Further preparations may include Bermuda traveling overseas for intensive training camps. These may include stops in the Caribbean and England before finally landing in Africa for the ICC tournament.

ED BAILEY -- `They have put money in front of cricket.'