If this is correct it will mark the end to one of the most popular knockout competitions, which started out in 1978 when Flatts Victoria were crowned champions.

Calvin Christopher, chairman of the Combined Counties, which runs the Champion of Champions competition for the three county champions, hinted that the end may be near, but he would not openly confirm it.

"All I can say is that it probably will not be played this year, but I can't say anything further about the matter until I have a chance to sit down with the other three counties,'' said Christopher last night.

Reginald Pearman, secretary of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, said on Tuesday that he was in no position to reveal any information about the position of the Benson & Hedges competition this year and referred all questions to the Combined Counties.

Benson & Hedges has been cutting back its sponsorship of cricket world-wide in recent years -- the most striking case being the West Indies Cricket Annual -- and it looks as if Bermuda has finally been affected.

Officials at Pitt and Company, local agents for Benson & Hedges, were not available for comment this week.

In the meantime, though, it is understood that the BCBC has already taken steps to have the two proposed incoming tours in June by Jamaica and Hyderabad Blues of India replace the dates that were originally set for the Benson & Hedges.

Western Stars are the defending Benson & Hedges champions, having beaten St.

David's in last year's final at Devonshire Recreation Club.