An apathetic response to training by members of the national senior and under-19 squads is giving Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Reginald Pearman a huge headache.

Although it has become something of a trend for players selected for national duty to react slowly to training, Board officials had been hoping that there would be far more enthusiasm this time around given that both squads are scheduled to play in major international tournaments overseas this year.

Both national teams will be involved in ICC preliminary round tournaments during the summer. The Under-19 event is scheduled for Canada in July and the seniors will compete in Los Angeles two months later.

"We are very concerned about these guys not showing up," said Pearman. "The squads were selected early - late last year in fact - in order to get the ball rolling because that's the sensible thing to do in major tournaments like those coming up."

The BCBC faced a similar dilemma last year when some senior players showed little or no interest and others pulled out of the America's Cup in Argentina, leaving the governing body to desperately search for replacements at the 11th hour.

Haunted by these memories, they decided to move early this time by assembling both squads well in advance.

But reportedly only a handful of those selected for national squad training have appeared at the various sessions arranged by national coach Mark Harper.

The Board have been forced to investigate the matter more thoroughly and the issue is expected to be one of the main items on the agenda at a meeting tonight.

However, Pearman ruled out any possibility of Bermuda pulling out of the tournaments.

"No, we would never consider withdrawing any of the teams. But if there are players who are not interested in participating then we will just have to go and search for others who are interested in representing their country," he said.

"The players chosen are going to have to either be part of the squad or that will be it. We have a few plans which we will run by a full Board meeting and see what's what.

"I really don't know what it is. It could be a general apathy towards training by some while some others are still playing soccer, but we need to get going."

While the Board try to resolve the problem, they continue to work towards arranging pre-tournament matches for both squads.

Pearman confirmed that there was a strong possibility that plans for an incoming tour for the senior squad would be finalised soon while negotiations continue with the West Indies Cricket Board about the possibility of sending the Under-19 squad to the Caribbean for a series of matches.

Meanwhile, the Board and coach Harper have announced that 18 primary school teachers have passed and received their certificates after completing the Teachers' Development Day Cricket workshop which was run by the national coach and his assistant, Winston Reid.

The one-day workshop introduced and reinforced practical guidelines for developing the game among Bermuda's youths.

"This is a continued progression of our cricket at all levels," said Pearman. "It's imperative that the grass roots are nurtured and the school system is a key element of that. We recognise that by coaching the coaches it provides a high rate of return on future performances."

According to Harper, the workshop was designed to provide step-by-step instruction of the basic skills of the game and to teach creative ways of teaching the game in an enjoyable manner.

"Aspects of the course covered batting, bowling, fielding as well as rules of the game, umpiring and safety considerations. Last year we introduced the course and it was well attended and had a notable impact in the schools and junior cricket," said Harper.

"We are aiming to build on that foundation and continue to develop the infrastructure to enhance the game skills and enjoyment of cricket by our young people."