Malaysian tournament to go inter-continental

The Malaysian Cricket Association hopes the triangular tournament starting this Friday will grow into an annual five-team inter-continental series.

While the MCA has attracted just Bangladesh A and Namibia this time, it plans to attract one visiting team each from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas in future.

"We found that each time we played in the ICC Trophy, we tended to be the grouped with same teams," MCA official, Mr Karu

"By bringing one country from each continent we play different types of teams," Mr. Karu explained.

"We tried to get Scotland and the United States but they wanted airfares paid for - we are paying for everything once teams get here."

Malaysia will be led by all-rounder, Suresh Navaratnam, recently returned from a stint with Melbourne, Australia, club Mulgrave, while Bangladesh A will be captained by all-rounder Naimur Rahman.

While Bangladesh A would seem assured of one place in the final, the second place would seem open.

Namibia defeated Malaysia when they last met in the 1997 ICC Trophy.

Each team will play each other twice, before the top two play off in the final.

Friday, March 17:    Malaysia vs. Bangladesh A
Saturday, March 18:  Bangladesh A vs. Namibia
Sunday, March 19:    Malaysia vs. Namibia
Monday, March 20:    Malaysia vs. Bangladesh A
Tuesday, March 21:   Bangladesh A vs. Namibia
Wednesday, March 22: Malaysia vs. Namibia
Thursday, March 23:  The final