There is usually a political side-issue festering in the background in tournaments such as these.

For the 2000 version of the ACC Trophy, it has been Hong Kong's participation and their future in the region.

Despite being a founding member of the ACC, Hong Kong was 'invited' to this tournament, but was one of only two teams for whom the ACC did not pay airfares and accomodation. (Japan was the other).

The ACC extended the gesture to countries in the International Cricket Council's Asia development region. Hong Kong and Japan were included in the ICC's East Asia-Pacific region, when the boundaries were decided three years ago.

The issue has hotted up in the past 48 hours, with Hong Kong winning a place in the final of the ACC's own tournament, and Japan 'invited' to join the ACC. More on the latter in the next 'Beyond The Test World." _______________________________________________________________________

One of the more surreal moments of the tournament served to highlight just how remarkable it is that cricket with a turf pitch and grassed outfield could be played in this part of the world.

In a group match between Hong Kong and Kuwait, the ball scootered across a 'billiard-table' like outfield with such speed that it was able to mount the embankment enclosing the ground.

As eyes followed the ball, the contrast between the green of the outfield and the surrounding sand and scrub was evidence of the work put into the grounds here.

Your correspondent's first trip to the ground ended in relief after the driver turned off the bitumen road and drove across half a kilometre of sand (with dust flying) to find a veritable cricketing oasis. _______________________________________________________________________

The Japanese team has attracted positive comment from opposition players about their relative improvement since the last ACC Trophy.

While being bowled out twice for less than 100 don't sound like performances to boast about, several players and officials have offered praise for the continued rise in standard from the Japanese who play in this tournament perhaps under the most difficult circumstances of any team.

They hit their highest total ever against Nepal and took four United Arab Emirates wickets, and were 1-50 against the Emiratis.

"All aspects of their play have improved since last time (1998 ACC Trophy)," United Arab Emirates captain, Saeed-Al-Saffar said.

"It takes some time to reach the level of say Hong Kong and Malaysia, and I am sure that in a few years they will be a good bunch to play. In 1996 Nepal weren't that much better than Japan are now." ________________________________________________________________________

The high-rises here, particularly those away from the city centre of Sharjah, serve to provide a stark contrast to the landscape.

With land seemingly plentiful in Sharjah, ostentatious 10-12 storey blocks, with shimmering facades are often surrounded by sandy, featureless lots, almost giving the appearance they have sprung out of the ground. _________________________________________________________________________

The organisation of the tournament by local officials has been near fautless with one long term ACC offocial describing it as the best ever.

The playing and training facilities are well maintained, and player transport to grounds has been punctual, with all competing players and officials pleased with the end result of many hours of volunteer labour.

Even the organisation for the media not involved with the local web site improved significantly from the third day of the tournament.

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