Bermuda could potentially square off against their Americas rivals on home soil in the new year should plans to host the North American Cup come to fruition.

The Bermuda Cricket Board is working on details of the proposed tournament which would serve as perfect preparation for the national team’s involvement in the final round of ICC T20 World Cup Americas Regional Qualifiers next year.

“The BCB will be part of a North American Cup to possibly include the USA, Canada, Bahamas and Cayman Islands,” BCB executive director Cal Blankendal told The Royal Gazette. “We are finalising details to hold the tournament in April of 2025.”

Bermuda made a triumphant return from the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier in Argentina on Wednesday.

Cal Waldron’s team won the tournament undefeated to retain their title and, more importantly, advance to the regional final, likely to be played in Canada in September.

Among those hailing Bermuda’s success was former national coach Niraj Odedra, who followed their progress throughout the recently concluded round-robin tournament in Argentina from his native India.

“A big congratulation goes to captain Terryn Fray and the team,” said Odedra, who serves as head coach of Indian first-class outfit Saurashtra.

“I think it’s the team and captaincy which matters the most, and I am so happy for them. I was following the team and they did really well in Argentina. Like what we did last time, they have won all the matches and I am so happy for them. I am so happy to learn that Bermuda is doing well. I spent one year with this team and when the teams you have worked with do well you need to appreciate that.”

Odedra was particularly impressed by the performances of top-order batter Tre Manders and all-rounders Dominic Sabir and Jermal Proctor.

“If you look at the recent performance, Tre Manders is again back to scoring runs and Terryn Fray is leading the side well,” he added.

“I think quite a few players are coming up. Jermal Proctor can be a good all-rounder in the future, Dominic Sabir has shown a lot of potential, and the way Terryn Fray has led the side I think he did a good job. I sent my congratulations to Janeiro Tucker (assistant coach) as well because he was there as support staff for the first time with the senior side and even two years back I said you got to keep this guy with the team.

“When you see local coaches from Bermuda doing well for the team and winning the matches it’s all good and I am so happy for them.”

Odedra believes Bermuda are capable of qualifying for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by defending champions India and Sri Lanka.

“Bermuda has a good chance because last time the USA was hosting it so they qualified straight,” he said. “Now USA did well and they qualified in the last eight so again it will be between Canada and Bermuda in 2025.”

Odedra parted ways with the BCB in October 2023 owing to affordability issues but remains willing to work again with the national programme in the future should the opportunity present itself.

“I am still waiting and hoping they [BCB] offer me something and I am ready to work in any capacity,” he added. “I see a bright future for the team and it would be good if I can be part of their team in any capacity. If I get a chance to work with them, I am ready to do it.

“Americas is a very interesting region where cricket is developing like crazy and it would be good if you can stay in that area, get to work and get to know these teams and these players. I am pretty much busy but my mind is always with Bermuda because I spent one year there. It’s always nice to know what they are doing and if I get a chance to work with them again it would be good to be part of that.”