Bermuda could potentially head into their next international cricket tournament without one of their star players in Kamau Leverock.

The all-rounder has told acting national coach Cal Waldron that he will be unavailable for selection when the side travel to Malaysia for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Challenge League play-off.

The competition, which takes place in February, is part of a lengthy qualification pathway for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Leverock, 29, has been vocal on social media and outlined his frustration at the continued lack of interest in his services from T20 franchises around the globe, despite the all-rounder having his best year in international cricket, racking up 525 runs in 11 T20 internationals, with a best score of 103 against Panama. He also picked up ten wickets and seven catches.

He was voted tournament MVP when Bermuda came agonisingly close to qualifying for the T20 World Cup on home soil, missing out to Canada in the final game.

Waldron, who is taking charge of the team’s preparations for Malaysia, knows the importance of Leverock, but is prepared for life without the former Bermuda captain.

“He’s indicated that he’s not available,” Waldron said.

“I think he’s trying to pursue personal professional options and, if he’s unavailable, we’ll find someone else to replace him. Without a doubt, that would be a huge blow for us because of the standard and quality of player he is.

“It’s his choice, so as an organisation we have to move on. It’s not an ideal thing, but we have to accept his decision. I’m not going to persuade him to think otherwise, considering what his personal ambitions and goals are.

Waldron is leaving the door open for Leverock to change his mind and would welcome him back into the fold.

“He wants to play some cricket in a T20 format at a higher level with one of the franchise teams and that would be great, but I haven't given up on him, as it’s something that could change between now and February,” Waldron said

“He knows what he wants to be in and the details of the tournament, but basing on his interview I'm taking it that the timelines don’t seem to match up.

“It’s a conversation that hopefully can change after Christmas. If certain options don’t pan out, he might make himself available.”

The national side have already started training ahead of the trip to Malaysia, with Waldron conducting indoor sessions on Fridays at Bermuda High School for Girls.

However, only Cejay Outerbridge, Zeko Burgess and Sinclair Smith turned up last Friday with numbers down from the 11 who attended the first session at Bermuda College a week before, and Waldron is hopeful participation will increase after the Christmas break.

“Last week we had only three players and we’ll see what comes out of this week,’’ Waldron said.

“We only have this week and next week before the Christmas break. I just prepare for whoever comes and those who don’t have their own excuses or reasons. I worry about those who show up.

“The motivation is going to come from the individual first, who wants to play.”

“I’m expecting after Christmas things will be different between the players and the administration side. They will know where we’re at, the targets we have to meet as far as naming players, and making travel reservations.

“I believe they’ll be up for the challenge as I'm sure nobody likes losing. They know what they have to do to keep Bermuda cricket on the international scene.

With the Bermuda Cricket Board yet to officially contact coach Niraj Odedra with an offer of a long-term deal, it is looking likely that Waldron will be placed in charge of the team in Malaysia.

“That shouldn't be a problem,’’ said Waldron.

“If he [Odedra] is unavailable or not going as a coach, I've to get the team ready from now until the end of the tournament. It’s just something that would have to be done.”