Rod Marsh predicts a thrilling ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier

Australian legend Rod Marsh has predicted an exciting week of cricket at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier and believes that any of the eight teams have the potential to make it through to the Caribbean.

Marsh, who is Director of Coaching at the ICC Global Cricket Academy, visited Deira International School in Dubai on Sunday morning, as part of the build-up to the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. That event, which begins on Tuesday, will see two qualifying spots on offer for the ICC World Twenty20 2010.

"It is very important for the top Associate countries to have the opportunity to mix it with the best. It is a great opportunity for two of them to get through to the ICC World Twenty20 and that is what makes this event so exciting. It should be a fiercely fought competition as the rewards at the end of it are so great," said Marsh.

"The shorter the game, the more chance there is for an upset. Whichever two teams get through the qualifier will have a good chance of winning a game or two in the main event in the West Indies. In a short game anything can happen."

Marsh believes that the hosts UAE, who will face the Netherlands, Kenya and Canada, need to take advantage of its invitation to play in this qualifying event and qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 2010, after narrowly missing out on qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

"It is a hugely important event for the UAE. They have great facilities, with two stadiums which are very, very good, and they have to make sure that they play their best cricket and take some risks to try and win these games" he said.

Children at Deira International School, who will soon have the opportunity to benefit from weekly coaching sessions from the ICC Global Cricket Academy team which is led by Marsh, had the chance to listen to Rod Marsh talk about the qualifying tournament as well as have their picture taken with the ICC World Twenty20 trophy.

And he believes that there will be plenty of interest in the game from supporters in the UAE

"The fact that there is no charge to get into matches at Dubai or Abu Dhabi should mean that people should flock along to watch the games ? particularly the UAE matches. Some of these teams have some very fine players and it will be very exciting cricket and a very fine standard," added Marsh.

"The amount of cricket happening at the moment means it is a bit like three or four rugby sevens all taking place in a row. There are so many opportunities to watch a fine standard of cricket, be it Associate cricket or Pakistan and England, means it is a great chance to get this great game growing in this part of the world."

Teachers at Deira International School echoed these thoughts, arguing that having the opportunity to watch international matches live will make a real difference in trying to grow the game in the Middle East.

"It is a brilliant opportunity for the children to see that international cricket is on the doorstep and they can get access to coaching, facilities and matches. There are so many children here from countries that play cricket, we now need to get them into structured leagues," said Ashley Robbins, Head of Boys PE at Deira International School.

"Having the opportunity to see the games live is fantastic. It is one thing to watch something on the television, but going to games live is a really chance to pick up the game."