THE week of the national team's departure for the ICC (International Cricket Council) Trophy tournament - the World Cup qualifier in Kuala Lumpur - is a fitting time for the Irish Cricket Union (ICU) to unveil its National Development Strategy.

The document was presented by ICU president John Wright to Hugh Coveney, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, at Leinster House yesterday. Squad members Alan Lewis, Angus Dunlop and Greg Molins were also in attendance.

This is the union's first such plan since 1992 and is, by a long way, its most ambitious to date. The policy document deals with the goals and structures of the ICU, the development of the game in Ireland, the administration of the game, playing facilities and marketing.

Among its proposals are the inauguration of an All Ireland Senior League, an extended interprovincial championship, the establishment of a cricket academy and the appointment each season of an overseas Test player to help with the preparation of the national squad and to play in Ireland's Benson & Hedges matches. Hansie Cronje, South Africa's captain, will have that role in the coming season.

The strategy also envisages the formation of primary school leagues set up by local clubs, the nomination of youth development officers by the clubs and the establishment of an Under 13 national team.

In addition, the union also, undertakes to develop two grounds - one in the north and one in the south of the country - with seating for at least 6,000 spectators, as demanded by ICC requirements.

The development of these grounds is essential if Ireland is to be granted one day international status by the ICC, which has committed itself to help this initiative financially in countries which can show that they have the required potential for this enhanced ranking. Last summer's fact finding visit to Ireland by the ICC's Dr Ali Bacher offered encouragement on this issue.

The ICU is confident that such status will be attained, though naturally the shorter term priority is to qualify for the 1999 World Cup by finishing in the top three in the ICC Trophy event. Ireland finished seventh in Kenya in 1994, their first time in the competition.

The union's confidence is underlined by its international aims. The ICU will thus bid to host both the European Championship - which Ireland won last season - in 2000 and the ICC Trophy in 2002.

Other plans outlined in the strategy include, the appointment of a full time permanent cricket development officer the provision of mini cricket kits to schools; the encouragement of women's cricket and the development of cricket opportunities for the disabled.

To these ends, the ICU will seek financial help from the governments in both parts of Ireland, and will also approach local and educational authorities in the north and south.

The strategy document also acknowledges the importance of marketing, and will seek to boost existing financial revenues by securing television rights, sponsorship and ground advertising.

The squad, led by coach Mike Hendrick, leaves for Kuala Lumpur tomorrow and will play the first of four practice matches on St Patrick's Day, against Canada.

. Alec Stewart has stepped down as captain of Surrey after five years in the role.

He is succeeded by Adam Hollioake, the current vice captain, who revealed his leadership potential when he led England A on their hugely successful tour of Australia this winter.

Surrey have made Stewart honorary, club captain.