It's Sharjah time again and this 'King of ODIs venue' is set to offer cricket fans some exciting cricket in this period of turmoil and tension. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will vie for the Trophy, this time sponsored by the Khaleej Times.

The Pakistan team may be a bit rusty for, apart from a single Test against Bangladesh, the players' only form of competition has been domestic cricket after their return from England last summer. The other teams in the tournament have been involved in regular international cricket, which may well be represent a significant advantage to them.

Although Pakistan have won more trophies in Sharjah than anywhere else in the world, the Sri Lankans are favourites and looking for a hat-trick of wins.

Their coach, Dav Whatmore, is full of confidence, saying "We seem to have got the hang of winning tournaments there."

Newly appointed Pakistan coach Mudassar Nazar is more guarded.

"We have high hopes for Sharjah but are mindful that on our last visit, Sri Lanka beat us in the final. Their team is very well organised these days, and their interim cricket Board is taking all the right decisions."

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, come to Sharjah after a series of successive losses back home and will be looking to rebuild under a new captain in Brian Murphy and a new coach, Geoff Marsh.

Marsh sees this tournament as a real opportunity to help strengthen the team's performances.

"The Sharjah tournament is a great challenge for the boys. We are going there for four games before the final. I will be looking to going away and working with the guys, and hopefully the guys are also looking forward to going away and working, training hard and improving their performance. Because in just over 12 months' time we've got the World Cup where Zimbabwe will be hosting their six qualifying games. I am sure that the boys want to put up a good performance in front of the home crowd."

As for the pitch at Sharjah it may be interesting to note that it was the brainchild of a Pakistani curator, Mohammad Bashir, and seems to be very batsman-friendly - much like the one at Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.

Today, Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe in front of a huge holiday crowd. Although Sri Lanka are obvious favourites, let's not forget that Zimbabwe will be going all out to cause a few surprises. All signs indicate a high-scoring game is in store with lots of action and fun for the fans.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd