Benn's status being monitored

Despite being named in the West Indies' 30-member provisional squad for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, Sulieman Benn's availability for selection in the final 15 will be closely monitored by the West Indies Cricket Board.

Benn has been suspended from the Barbados Cricket Association's all-year training programme and the BCA has arranged a course of professional counselling and mentoring in which Benn is participating.

The WICB will seek cogent evidence that Benn has completed the counselling programme and has received clearance from the BCA before the final squad is picked for the 2003 World Cup to coincide with the deadline set by the International Cricket Council of December 31.