ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012 begins

The 12-day tournament was officially launched at a function in the ICC Global Cricket Academy in Dubai Sports City on Sunday evening.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, captains, coaches and managers of all the teams were present at the function. Lorgat said: “With 16 teams participating, we are hosting an enormous tournament. Right now, only two teams get an opportunity to qualify for the T20 World Cup. We expect at least six teams to be qualified for the 2014 event.”

Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien, who starred in a stunning victory over England in the ICC World Cup last year, and Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were some of top players who attended the launch function. While welcoming the teams, Mazhar Khan, administrator of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “I would like to thank all of you for giving us the opportunity to host this wonderful tournament in the UAE.”

Simon Taufel, one of the 12 umpires who will be umpiring in the tournament; Namibia’s batting coach and ex-South Africa batting star Daryll Cullinan were also present. The March 13-24 tournament, scheduled to be held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah stadiums, will hold 72 matches, including the final.

Though defending champions Afghanistan and fast improving side Ireland are the favourites to win the tournament, Netherlands and Kenya will also try to prove their worth.

The winner and runner-up will get an entry to the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka from September 18 to October 7. The winner will complete Group B by joining Australia and West Indies while the runner-up will be placed with defending champion England and former winner India in Group A. Eight matches will be held on the opening day, with the champions Afghanistan slated to take on Papua New Guinea at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

On the same day, the United States will meet Uganda in their first match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Abu Dhabi will host its first match on Wednesday with US facing Italy at the Shaikh Zayed Stadium.