for reneging on a written promise not to participate in any other sport leading up to next month's tournament in Kenya.

Fellow batsman Dexter Smith, who opened the innings for St. George's during this year's Cup Match and whom was previously listed as one of two stand-by players for ICC, has been named as replacement for Hill.

BCBC president Ed Bailey, speaking following a meeting of the Board last night explained that the decision was a unanimous one amongst the 16 members present.

"He's (Hill) been discharged from the team,'' said Bailey, adding that it was a tough decision. "The Board itself is indicating to the public how serious we are about discipline.

"We want players to take this as a serious commitment. It is important that we have 16 players who are totally committed to winning.

"I'm sorry, but what Ricky did is unforgivable, because he definitely betrayed us after we had selected him and showed that he was lacking as far as commitment was concerned.'' Hill, meanwhile preferred not to comment on the matter saying that he "wanted to digest it a bit'' and Smith was similarly silent when contacted at home last night.

The Bailey's Bay player last week delivered a letter to the BCBC indicating that he had performed in an Alliance Division match for North Village -- he also scored a goal -- for the purpose of maintaining peak fitness.

However, Bailey noted that "he could have gone out and ran five miles'' if that was the case rather than totally disregard his cricket obligation.

In the end it appeared that Hill was `done in' by his desire to compete.

The development means that North Village can now call on the veteran striker to be a part of their Dudley Eve campaign over the Christmas break.

Another matter arising from the lengthy meeting, which lasted more than three hours, were the naming of Clarence Tucker as team manager for the Kenya trip as well as the impending trip to Jamaica which starts on Boxing Day and sees Bermuda playing a minimum of six matches. McDonald Swan will go as Tucker's assistant.

Another opener in the Bermuda squad, Allen Richardson of St. David's, received a setback to his ICC preparations after suffering a pulled muscle in his lower-back.

However, the injury is not considered serious enough to rule richardson out of either the Jamaica trip or his first ICC venture. He has been prescribed medication and could be back in action within a week. Richardson is believed to have incurred the ailment while lifting weights during an indoor training session with the squad.

Team trainer Nick Jones said that the prognosis was good for a quick recovery and that Richardson was cleared to resume light training and will spend some time in a whirlpool treating the affected area.

"Normally something like this is one of those things where he might have had a niggling injury and when you turn or make a sudden movement it comes to the forefront,'' said Jones.

"But with proper treatment it should disappear right back where it came from.'' OUT -- Ricky Hill. IN -- Dexter Smith.