Cricket: Captains call it a 'mini World Cup for Associates'

Dubai - The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) came up with the idea of such a tournament and received backing from the ICC

Associate teams have given an overwhelming thumbs up to the inaugural edition of the Desert T20 Cricket Tournament, calling it the "mini World Cup for the Associates."
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) came up with the idea of such a tournament and received backing from the ICC. And the tournament is set to be played out from January 14 till 20 with hosts UAE, Afghanistan, Ireland, Scotland, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Oman and Namibia taking part.
And most of the captains were thrilled to have such a competition.
"It is new for Associate countries playing against each other in a T20 tournament apart from the qualifiers. And everyone is really looking forward to the tournament. It is challenging as well because you are playing for a trophy and it is not a qualifier. It is the first time we are playing for some sort of a trophy. So, everyone is charged up to win this tournament and start 2017 on a good note," UAE captain Amjad Javed exclusively told the Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
"When you start something new, it starts on a low profile and it grows. So, I think definitely, next year it will be much more bigger and hope they can get some sponsor to live telecast the games," he added.
Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai termed it the "mini Associate World Cup."
"It is the first time that such a tournament is happening and I would like to thank the ECB and the ICC for it. I think it is like a mini Associate World Cup. It is important for every team and every team would like to win the Cup. I hope this tournament happens every year, not just T20 but One-day as well. We as Associate Nations, don't have too much cricket, so such a move is important for us," said Stanikzai.
The Netherlands skipper Peter Borren said that Associate countries have been crying out for such a competition.
"It is an inaugural event and it is something that Associate teams have been crying out for - more cricket, competitive cricket. We know that these eight teams are going to be very competitive. Last year there wasn't a lot of cricket so to start the year off like this is great. Surely, we are going to see some great cricket and I'm hoping that it won't be a one-off and next year it will be even bigger and better," said Borren.
"I think Associate cricket more of a profile and these sort of events are crucial for that. It should happen every year and could be bigger and better, hopefully more coverage and hopefully streamed on the internet," he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com