First Affiliate Tournament to be held at Benoni

The ICC Development Program for Africa is to hold its first Affiliate Tournament at the Willowmoore Park Cricket Ground in Benoni, South Africa from March 19-26.

This event is part of the World Cup qualifying arrangements, and will feature Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda and Sierra Leone competing for a place in the second phase with the more-established associate-member countries. A South African development team will complete the line-up for the tournament.

The teams will be split into two pools, with the top two teams in each one qualifying for the semi-finals.

"It is a great opportunity for the African countries to showcase their talents on South African soil," said oosain Ayob, the ICC's regional development manager.

The tournament will culminate with a glittering presentation and dinner on March 26, where a number of cricket dignitaries will be present.

For the first time the 47 affiliate members of the ICC have been guaranteed a regular programme of international cricket.