Bermuda Under 19's World Cup campaign has suffered a massive blow with the withdrawal of pace ace Stefan Kelly because of school commitments.

The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed yesterday that Kelly would not be heading to Malaysia for next month's showpiece with his replacement to be announced shortly. The decision was made after extensive consultation between the BCB and Kelly's schoolmasters.

Full international Kelly is currently studying at Oakham School, in England, and will be sitting important examinations later this year. His exam results will have a crucial bearing on whether he secures a place at one of England's top University Centre's of Cricket Excellence (UCCE).

The hot prospect has Durham University and Loughborough University in his sights and both require high grades for admission.

Reginald Pearman, president of the BCB, said a major element of Kelly's withdrawal was related specifically to the volume of coursework he would have missed while at the World Cup.

"Stefan is an outstanding player and undoubtedly will be missed by the squad," he said. "However, the Board has always stressed the education of our young people can not be jeopardised by cricketing commitments.

"I'm fully satisfied that no stone has been left unturned in the quest to allow Stefan to play in this tournament, nevertheless, the importance of these examinations fully warrant his undivided attention.

"I recognise Stefan has already had his studies interrupted when he took a year off last academic year to prepare for the senior World Cup.

"I wish him well in his endeavours and look forward to hearing good news later this year regarding his placement at a university of his choice."