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Zambian cricketers to tour UAE

DUBAI - The Zambian cricket team will play three practice matches against the ECB Development XI ahead of their campaign in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 8 to be held in Kuwait from November 6.

Two matches will be held at the Sharjah stadium, one each on October 31 and November 3 while the other on November 1 will be played at Al Dhaid Cricket Village.

Coached by former South Africa opener Peter Kirsten, the Zambian team became an associate member of the ICC in 2003. The history of cricket in the African country, however, dates back to 1930, when they played as Northern Rhodesia against the MCC in Livingstone.

“We are delighted to play host to the Zambian team and hope the practice matches against our teams will help them hone their competitive edge before they travel to Kuwait,” said Mazhar Khan, administrator of the Emirates Cricket Board. “We will do everything possible to ensure they have a comfortable stay here,” he added.

The Zambian cricket team gained entry to the 2010 ICC World Cricket League Division Eight after winning the Regional Division Two tournament early this year.

The other teams featuring in the Division Eight tournament in Kuwait are Suriname, Gibraltar, Kuwait, Germany, Vanuatu, Bhutan and Bahamas. The top two teams will be promoted to 2011 Division Seven while the third-placed team remains in Division Eight. The teams finishing fourth to eighth return to regional setups.