to compete in the 1995 World Cup in England or South Africa.

For, at the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting at Lord's, it was agreed that the top three countries in the 1994 ICC Trophy Tournament in Kenya will qualify for the next World Cup along with the nine Test-playing countries.

"Bermuda now has its greatest opportunity ever to play in the World Cup, in 1995, now that Zimbabwe are out of the way and providing we can finish in the top three in Kenya in 1994,'' BCBC president Ed Bailey said yesterday from London.

Bailey, who travelled with vice-president Reggie Pearman for the meetings at Lord's, also disclosed that if Bermuda wins the next two ICC tournaments, the country could be seeking full Test status soon after.

"That is no longer fiction, but a fact,'' said a delighted Bailey. The last team to advance to full Test status before Zimbabwe yesterday was Sri Lanka 11 years ago, after winning the 1979 ICC Trophy. Zimbabwe used their triumphs in the last three ICC Trophies in 1982, '86 and '90 as well as successful tours to push their bid for Test status.

"We supported them 100 percent,'' Bailey said. "They trusted Bermuda to support them and we did it for the good of cricket internationally. Bermuda lobbied for them and nominated them.'' Ireland and Namibia became associate members, which means 20 teams could be competing in the in Kenya. The two finalists automatically qualify for the World Cup as well as the best semifinalists, either determined on points or by a play-off, which has been used in previous tournaments to decide the third-place finisher.

"That proposal was put forward by ICC Group chairman Joe Buzalo from Gibraltor,'' Bailey explained. "There were some revolutionary things happening in the meeting this year and Bermuda played a big part,'' Bailey said. "A big opportunity has arisen now that Zimbabwe are out of the way.'' Judging by their last ICC Trophy when they failed to advance past their group, Bermuda has a long way to go before regaining the reputation they had in the ICC a decade ago.

Bailey said plans are in the works to bring in Test-playing teams in the next few years so as to aid the upgrading of cricket here, starting with a proposed tour next year by Pakistan who will be touring the West Indies.

"The Pakistan tour is pretty much set up but there are some conditions to be met,'' Bailey said. "It could be confirmed by the end of this month. I met with the president of their board, Lieutenant General Zahid Khan, who was at the ICC meeting.'' Bailey also mentioned that the West Indies `B' team and an English county team could be visiting next year, with New Zealand, Australia, India and South Africa to follow in the next three years while they are touring either England or the West Indies.

"We've had a catalogue of commitments from just about all the first-class teams,'' the president confirmed. "We're looking at an intensive programme in the next five years.

"Bermuda will go into serious training not only for ICC but also in preparation for the World Cup in 1995. I've seen doors open for Bermuda.'' Bailey said opportunities are opening up for associate countries because the full members recognise how serious they are about advancing their cricket.

"What was suggested today is we might have to find a category between associate members and full Test status, maybe playing one-day internationals and three-day Tests,'' Bailey said.

Bailey has been named as chairman of the Qualification and Discipline committees for the 1994 ICC Trophy.