Officials of countries appearing in the Americas Cup could find out some time this week whether the tournament will go ahead in Argentina in March as scheduled.

Doubt has arisen due to civil unrest in the host city, Buenos Aires, over the last few weeks because of the country's financial state.

'Beyond The Test World' understands the situation is currently being appraised and the ICC's Americas Regional Development Manager, Robert Weekes, will probably be in contact with officials of competing countries (Argentina, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, the United States) over the next week.

While the option of switching the tournament to another country exists, the fact the second Americas Cup would be the first major tournament to be hosted by the progressive minded Argentine Cricket Association, means such a decision would be taken with considerable reluctance.

Another option of staging the Americas Cup in Argentina at a later date, is complicated by fact the tournament was already scheduled for the first month of the Argentine autumn.

Meanwhile, the Caymans Islands Cricket Association has announced a short list of 17 players (to be trimmed to a final squad of 14): Michael Wight (Captain), David Wight (vice captain), Steve Gordon, Larry Cunningham, Carley James, Ryan Bovell, Franklin Hinds, Kenute Tulloch, Steadman Gray, Chris Wight, Pearson Best, Philip Wight, Dwight Rivers, Joseph Kirkconnell, Jalon Linton, Omar Bryan, Oscar Owen.

© ICC 2002