The Chapal Cup Series provides the first opportunity for cricket lovers in the UAE to see Australia – currently the greatest one-day side on the planet – and experience the high-octane thrills of world-class cricket.

Australia play Pakistan in five one-day international matchess in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the climax of the series a Twenty:20 match at Dubai Sports City’s Cricket Stadium.

Local teachers and sports coaches say there has been a noticeable increase of interest from the students since it was announced that the games would be hosted in the UAE.

“The children are really looking forward to watching the match up between Brett Lee and Shoib Akhtar,� said Hany Samir, Head of Physical Education at Al Khaleej National School. “We have a couple of very good cricketers here, and many more are now showing a keen interest in taking up the game.�

“Young children are inspired by role models. Having some of the best players in the world competing in their country will only inspire them further to continue playing the game,� he added.

The first match will take place at the new 25,000 capacity Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, 22 April 2009 with the second game in the series on Friday, 24 April 2009 at the same venue.

The sides then head to Abu Dhabi to complete the series with three matches at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Monday, 27 April 2009, Friday, 1 May 2009, and Sunday, 3 May 2009.

The grand finale of the series will be a Twenty:20 match on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at Dubai Sports City’s Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan arrives in the UAE next week and will take part in a number of practice matches at Dubai Sports City to acclimatise to the conditions. Australia flies in on Saturday, 18 April 2009 after the completion of its current series in South Africa.

With both squads announced, players with the quality of Shoaib Akhtar, Younus Khan, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds and Michael Clarke will all be on show throughout the Chapal Cup Series.

“Australia has dominated the game for many years, with thrilling, modern cricket, but Pakistan will pose a great challenge,� said Macky Dudhia, General Manager, Sports Business, Dubai Sports City. “For sports fans in the UAE, especially the younger generation, these matches will demonstrate why cricket is one of the most watched sports around the world. To be so close to the action, and experience the game live, is one of the greatest experiences in sport.�