Dubai: All 16 countries that will take part in the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty Qualifier have arrived in Dubai.
The five venues that will stage the matches from March 13 to 24 have completed all arrangements for the biggest cricket tournament ever to be held in UAE.
"Every day eight games will be held for a total of 72 matches in the next 12 days. The morning matches will be held from 10am to 1pm and afternoon from 2pm to 5pm," Mazhar Khan, the host board tournament organiser and administrator of the Emirates Cricket Board told Gulf News.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat will launch the tournament through a colourful ceremony at the ICC Global Cricket Academy today. Captains, coaches and managers of all the 16 participating nations will attend the ceremony.
Among the high profile cricketers turned coaches who will attend the ceremony are former South African batting star Daryll Cullinan, who is Namibia's batting coach, and former Indian allrounder Robin Singh who is the US team's consultant. Renowned umpire Simon Taufel will lead a panel of 12 umpires that will officiate in the tournament.
"Practice matches and training sessions are being held at all the venues in the UAE including in non match venues like Al Dhaid cricket village. Teams have been put up in different hotels in the UAE and all facilities have been made for their training as well as practice sessions," Khan added.
Top teams
The matches are expected to be keenly fought as the top two teams from this tournament may qualify to play in the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in Colombo, Hambantota and Pallekele from September September 18 to October 7.
QuipuTV has secured an agreement with the ICC to broadcast 14 group matches.
The last three days of the qualifiers will be shown live by ESPN Star Sports.
