Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James listened to the figures quoted for the current World Cup -- television coverage reaching two billion viewers in some 120 countries -- and immediately started to think of what that exposure could do for Bermuda in 2007.

That's when the World Cup comes to the Caribbean region for the first time.

And Bermuda, in the process of building an international cricket facility on the old Frog Lane side of the National Sports Complex, has been seen as a potential venue for a match or maybe even two when the West Indies host the tournament.

With the amount of television exposure given the World Cup, and even Test and one-day series in the Caribbean, James agrees there are limitless opportunities for Bermuda from a tourism standpoint.

He believes it isn't far-fetched to think that Bermuda could be hosting one-day internationals, or even a Test match, for the West Indies should an adequate facility be built.

As a PLP MP, James says his party are sympathetic to the needs of the sports community who have long bemoaned the quality of the still-half completed complex.

Sports Minister Dennis Lister stated at Budget time that completion of the National Sports Complex was a priority.

"Prior to us taking over I had some very, very strong views on that National Sports Centre and the design of it,'' James revealed this week.

"Those views have not changed, but now instead of fighting from the outside I can voice my concerns to the individuals who are there in charge. I think the party will be sympathetic.'' Both James and his vice-president, Randy Horton, are former top cricketers, with James a member of the Bermuda team that came close to qualifying for the World Cup in 1979 when they reached the semi-finals of the ICC Trophy.

Countries like Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have gone on to achieve full Test status while Bangladesh, who capped off their first World Cup by beating previously unbeaten Pakistan in their last group match, could be the next country to join the Test circuit. Bermuda used to compete against all of these countries in the ICC Tournament.

"I think we will have a stadium in line by the time the World Cup comes around, and will make a serious bid,'' said James.

"We're talking with the West Indies Cricket Board right now and I'm certain we will have a visit from someone down there in the very near future to discuss what's needed to host the World Cup.

"Now, if they come up with a criteria that we can't meet obviously we'll have to shut it down, but it would seem that we can meet most of the requirements.'' Bermuda qualifying for the World Cup and serving as a host venue in 2007 could go hand-in-hand, especially as playing in the World Cup is still a goal of the board.

Officials in St. Vincent and Grenada had made great improvements to their main cricket grounds over the last few years with a view to hosting Test matches.

James realises the exposure given during live television coverage is invaluable.

"When you talk about the World Cup and the people who are being touched by television, think about what it will do for tourism and everything else,'' James stressed.

"It's advertising that we could never pay for. I would guess all of Bermuda would love to see an international match being hosted here. There are limitless possibilities and potential once we get a stadium that is accepted.

We could have all types of matches here.'' Added James: "It would be good for the Island, good for the sport, good for tourism, good for everybody, actually.

"I think one of the tasks of the new Government when it comes to the sports centre should be to revisit the plans and decide what is needed. I'm certain that will have to be revisited, like Government is doing with all issues.

"I feel a lot better now that we do have the PLP Government in. I just wished that we could have been in power before that (complex) was started. I believe we will get what is needed for all sports in Bermuda.'' James has been following the World Cup with keen interest, and is tipping Pakistan to win it for a second time, despite their surprise loss to Bangladesh in their final group match. The tournament takes a break until Friday when the top six teams from the last round begin play in the Super Six group.

"I think Pakistan have too much depth allround,'' said James of his pick. He was also impressed by by Bangladesh's performances "especially when you look and see how well we've done against Bangladesh. We've thrashed Bangladesh and we could have possibly been there but we're not.

"It does let us know we have something to strive for, because if they can get there we can too.''