Namibia to host Intercontinental Cup finals

The ICC has revealed that Namibia will host the semi-finals and final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup in October.

The semi-finals will take place between October 23 and 25 with the final taking place from October 27 to 30. 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. 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 Intercontinental Cup will begin later this month. The reigning champions, Scotland, will begin their title defence with a difficult away tie against Holland on July 29. Scotland won the inaugural competition last year without losing a match, but Holland ran the winners closer than any other side in a keenly-contested draw at Aberdeen. With home advantage in 2005, Holland will be looking to inflict a first defeat on the holders.

Hong Kong are the only new side in the 12-team tournament. They replace Malaysia in the Asia regional qualifiers and will begin their campaign in Nepal on 24 April.

The Americas region looks set to produce an intense contest with the three qualifying matches scheduled for Toronto in Canada between August 23 and September 2.

The competition format remains unchanged. 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.