One of the island’s most experienced cricketers, Rodney Trott, has made himself unavailable for the Bermuda Premier League and ICC T20 World Cup Americas Regional Qualifier.

Trott has impressed with his contribution to Bailey’s Bay’s strong season, including picking up two wickets and scoring an unbeaten 53 in front of the watching national coach Niraj Odedra when leading Bay to victory over Flatts in the Eastern Counties Cup second round last week.

The all-rounder turns 36 on September 8 and has made the decision to put his job and his family ahead of cricket, with indications that he will be off the island when two teams from the Caribbean head here for the Bermuda Premier League, which takes place from September 6 to 10.

“I just started a new job and cricket has to take a break for me for a little while, so I can concentrate on that,” Trott said.

“That week is also my birthday and I think I might look to go on a little trip for the weekend. I am also not available for national team selection. I've some other things I need to take care of in my life that are a little bit more important than cricket and I have to handle situations properly.

“Ideally, I would like to do it but I’ve got all my life working out right now. I’ve got two children and they come first at the end of the day. One thing about me is that if I look to do something then I look to give my all, and if I can’t give my all it makes no sense.”

Two teams from Bermuda, the national side and a select XI, together with Barbados and the Grassroots Cricket Academy from Antigua will compete in the inaugural BPL, with matches at North Field, National Sports Centre and White Hill Field being used as a warm-up for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches.

Odedra is back working with the team after taking a short break last month to give players time to focus on their Cup Match commitments and is excited by the prospect of facing Canada in the opening match of the qualifiers at White Hill Field on September 30, knowing full well what a win in that encounter can do for Bermuda’s chances.

“Playing Canada first gives us the element of surprise and does not give them time to get used to the wicket,” Odedra said.

“You don’t want them to be ready and used to the climate as both teams will be under pressure.”

Odedra is hoping the BPL will create genuine excitement for the World Cup campaign and is hoping spectators bring the Cup Match and counties spirit to a number of warm-up matches as his side seek a spot in next year’s tournament in the United States and the West Indies.

“Next Tuesday and Wednesday evening we are playing a couple of T20 matches against the Select XI, the team that is playing in the BPL,” Odedra said.

“We are getting the team ready to play two matches in two days, which might be the scenario and we will try to make the BPL similar to what we will meet in the qualifiers.

“Earlier in training sessions it was fielding and fitness but the momentum has now shifted towards skill and the boys are playing a lot of cricket, but there is still plenty of cricket to be played. We are still working on fielding and fitness but skill is what will take us to the World Cup.

“Even when players miss training for whatever reasons, I’m always available for sessions whenever they are available. Everyone, the coaches, players, board and support staff are working hard to make sure that we qualify.”

One player that Odedra is hoping to tempt back into the national fold is Dion Stovell, who scored a second successive Cup Match century for Somerset this month but has yet to make himself available.

“It will be great if he can play, as I think he is still one of the best spinners on the island,” Odedra said.

“I like him as a cricketer and I hope he is available in the future.”