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We didn't want to send messages to players that they were in or out mid-season. - Chris Doig, New Zealand Cricket chief executive

New Zealand Cricket has been forced to make an embarrassing round of calls to players after the names of its preliminary World Cup squad were released prematurely.

A list of 19 players - the most notable inclusion being Wellington paceman Carl Bulfin - was released by World Cup administrators in London.

New Zealand Cricket had wanted to keep the names secret, because they did not want players finding out mid-season whether they were in the frame to play in the World Cup, which will start in early May.

The list of 19 players will eventually be reduced to 15.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Chris Doig said organisers had wanted a list of 19 players for ``petty administration things'' such as outfitting and programme details.

``We didn't want an announcement in the middle of the season. We are one of the few countries playing international cricket at this time of the year. We didn't want to send messages to players that they were in or out mid-season.

``They (World Cup organisers) have chosen to ignore our request. That's a bit disappointing.''

He said he would speak to World Cup organisers ``in due course''.

``I will have to choose my words carefully,'' he said.

The squad named was: Nathan Astle, Matthew Horne, Craig McMillan, Stephen Fleming, Chris Cairns, Dion Nash, Matthew Bell, Daniel Vettori, Geoff Allott, Gavin Larsen, Adam Parore, Chris Harris, Bryan Young, Simon Doull, Shayne O'Connor, Chris Drum, Roger Twose, Matthew Hart, Carl Bulfin.

A World Cup spokesman said the captain had not been named.

Three players who feature in New Zealand Cricket's 1998-99 media guide - Llorne Howell, Blair Pocock, and Paul Wiseman - have missed out.

Doig said telephone calls would have to be made to players, so they did not learn of their inclusion or otherwise through the media.

``We need a bit of time to speak to the players,'' he said, adding that there was no mystery about the selections.

Later yesterday, New Zealand Cricket released a statement confirming the names.

The most noteworthy inclusion is Bulfin, 25, the fiery Wellington paceman who knocked the top off the Canterbury batting order in the Shell Cup final last month.

Northern Districts spinner Matthew Hart is also included.

Convener of selectors Ross Dykes said a back-up wicketkeeper would obviously be needed if Parore was injured.

``The facility exists for replacements to be made in case of injury or illness and because we are still playing cricket for another month, there is incentive for players to continue to impress.''

The final squad of 15 players will be announced on April 6.