Eight Associate nations to feature in inaugural Desert T20 tournament

Eight Associate nations to feature in inaugural Desert T20 tournament

Eight of the top Associate nations will participate in the inaugural Desert T20 tournament, set to start on January 14. Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, and the UAE will be the participating nations, with the matches set to be hosted in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"Emirates Cricket Board are delighted to collaborate with the participating Associates to bring this inaugural T20 tournament to the UAE," said Zayed Abbas, Emirates Cricket Board Member. "The aim of the tournament is to provide an opportunity for our teams to play more competitive Men's T20 cricket. Each of the participating countries are very close in ICC T20I rankings, so we expect the quality of cricket to be very strong."

Afghanistan (9), Ireland (17), Namibia (NR), and the UAE (14) are drawn in Pool A, while Netherlands (11), Scotland (13), Oman (16) and Hong Kong (15) will be in Pool B. Two teams will qualify from each group for the semi-finals.

"With the world-class practice facilities and playing surfaces available to us in the UAE, we are confident each Associate will benefit greatly from this tournament. We extend our sincere thanks to the participating Unions, the ICC and the ICC Academy for their support and commitment to this tournament," Abbas added.

The seven-day tournament will be played from January 14-17 in Abu Dhabi, before moving to Dubai on January 18. The finals and the semifinals will be played on January 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Fixtures:

January 14: Scotland v Hong Kong (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 14: Afghanistan v Ireland (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 15: Netherlands v Oman (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 15: UAE v Namibia (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 16: Oman v Hong Kong (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 16: Afghanistan v UAE (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 17: Ireland v Namibia (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 17: Netherlands v Scotland (Zayed Cricket Stadium)

January 18: UAE v Ireland (Dubai International Stadium)

January 18: Netherlands v Hong Kong (Dubai International Stadium)

January 19: Afghanistan v Namibia (Dubai International Stadium)

January 19: Scotland v Oman (Dubai International Stadium)

January 20: Semifinal 1 A1 v B2; Semifinal 2 A2 v B1 (Dubai International Stadium)

January 20: Final (Dubai International Stadium)