The Asia region ICC Intercontinental Cup 3 day match begin on Sunday with the United Arab Emirates hosting Hong Kong at Sharjah. Hong Kong is the only one of the 12 participating teams that did not take part in last season’s inaugural ICC Intercontinental Cup.

Hong Kong captain Tim Smart said that his team was looking forward to an opportunity for revenge after losing to the UAE in a recent Asian Cricket Council tournament.

“We are looking forward to the challenge and it will be a good test for the side. The lads are keen to have another shot at the UAE losing out in the Fast Track Country Tournament.  We have a number of good young players who are looking to cement a place in the side,” said Smart.

The match at Sharjah is the first official appointment for members of the ICC Associate and Affiliate Umpires Panel. Buddhi Pradhan from Nepal and Sarika Prasad from Singapore will be the on-field umpires.

This is the second season of the ICC Intercontinental Cup. 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.

The Americas region looks set to produce an intense festival of cricket with the three qualifying matches between Canada, Bermuda and the USA 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 to be played in Namibia from 23 to 29 October 2005.

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.