ICC targets Dubai for 'A' team tournaments

The Dubai Cricket Stadium, expected to be ready early next year, is being targeted by the ICC to host 'A' team tournaments, women's international tournaments and to act as a pre-season training centre for domestic sides.

"Many Test-playing nations have expressed their willingness to play in tournaments for the A teams in Dubai. We will try and stage two tournaments every year," Rod Marsh, the former Australian wicketkeeper who is now the director of coaching at the ICC Global Academy, told Gulf News.

Marsh said the ICC was keen on organising 50-over and Twenty20 tournaments for the A teams and include the UAE side in the events. "We would like to stage the first tournament in April and the second one in September or early October. The first edition of this tournament could be held in 2009 or 2010, subject to ratification by the cricket boards," he said.

According to him, the central location of Dubai also made it an ideal venue for women's tournaments. He said most countries were keen on using the facilities. Teams like Mumbai may have their pre-season training during the Indian monsoon season. In March, English county teams will be training here."