Namibia to host ICC Intercontinental Cup 2005 finals

The International Cricket Council today announced that Namibia will host the semi-finals and final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2005.

The semi-finals will take place from 23-25 October with the final taking place from 27-29 October. All matches will be staged in the capital Windhoek with the final scheduled to take place at the Wanderers Club.

Namibia Cricket Board President, Laurie Pieters, said that the preparations for the finals were already underway.

"The awarding of the finals of this prestigious ICC event to our country is a major boost for cricket and those that love the sport in Namibia," said Mr Pieters.

"We already have the grounds and facilities required and preparations have now begun to ensure that we are ready to welcome the regional winners."

The second season of the ICC Intercontinental Cup will begin later this month. The reigning champion, Scotland, will begin its title defence three months later with a difficult away tie against Holland on 29-31 July.

Scotland won the inaugural three-day first class competition for ICC Associate Members in 2004 without losing a match but Holland ran the winners closer than any other side in a keenly-contested draw in Aberdeen. With home advantage in 2005, Holland will be looking to inflict a first defeat on the holders.

Hong Kong is the only new side in the 12-team ICC tournament which last season brought competitive multi-day cricket to the second tier of cricket nations for the first time. It replaces Malaysia in the Asia regional qualifiers and will begin its campaign in Nepal on 24 April.

The Americas region looks set to produce an intense festival of cricket with the three qualifying matches scheduled for Toronto in Canada from 23 August to 2 September.

The ICC Intercontinental Cup format remains unchanged in its second season. The top team from each of the four regions will progress to the semi-finals and final in Namibia.

There have been minor changes to the points structure with more rewards available for first innings runs. Full details of the tournament rules and playing conditions can be found at www.icc-intercontinentalcup.com.