Making plans for Malaysia

The United States may hold a triangular series, also involving Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, in Fort Lauderdale in May as a key part of their ICC Trophy preparations. That's provided the Cayman Islands first win next week's World Cup Qualifying Series in Kuala Lumpur, and if the ground is made available by Fort Lauderdale City officials.

Selwyn Caesar, the treasurer of the USA Cricket Association, said that matches against Bermuda were likely to go ahead regardless of the Cayman Islands' fate, and would be staged ahead of a possible two-game trip to Jamaica and several matches in England: "The matches against Bermuda in Florida should be confirmed next week while Richard Done, the ICC's High Performance Manager, is also talking to people in England to arrange matches there."

The news is some reassurance for US cricket followers, who are worried that ICC Trophy preparations may stall while the USACA's election process gridlocks.

Some 63 ICC members (including the ten Test nations and Kenya, who currently have ODI status) have embarked on the World Cup qualifying path, making this the biggest field ever. For various reasons another 26 members did not. Excluding Kenya there are now 19 non-Test countries left vying for five World Cup positions. Below, our correspondents worldwide sum up the current state of play:

Bermuda Sources close to the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control advise that it has now secured its own funding for the national coaching position, allowing it to kick-start the selection process. This is good news for Daryll Cullinan, the former West Indies coach Gus Logie, recently departed Dutch national coach Emmerson Trotman, and Philo Wallace, who have all been linked with the role, while local legend Wendell Smith has been overseeing five-nights-a-week training. A date for a decision on the coaching position is still not known. As mentioned above, Bermuda hopes to play matches in Florida in May or June against the United States and perhaps the Cayman Islands. In England, they will play Sussex 2nd XI, Guernsey and Namibia before travelling to Ireland six days before the tournament.

Denmark Nothing certain at this time: a possibility of matches against Holland and English club teams before arriving in Ireland on June 26, where they may play some Irish club sides. Will be coached by Peter Palle Klokker, the father of Frederik.

Ireland The Irish are happy with a low-key build-up, placing store in being able to play on the grounds they will be using come ICC Trophy time. A match between the national team and Irish-based overseas imports will be held in the fortnight prior to the ICC Trophy, as well as a visit from MCC. Additionally, Ireland will host Yorkshire in the C&G Trophy on May 3.

Uganda MCC, captained by Min Patel, arrive next week to play two one-day games and a two-day match. Kenya and Namibia visit in April to play their Intercontinental Cup matches, and some one-day games. The ICC's Africa office is organising a South African select team to visit in June. The Ugandans have also organised two matches in Ireland before the ICC Trophy starts.

United Arab Emirates A depleted team just finished a one-day series against Bangladesh A, losing 2-1, before winning the ACC Fast-Track Final against Hong Kong. England A, captained by Ian Bell, arrive next week for four day/night matches in Sharjah. Durham follow on March 25 to play five one-day matches and a two-dayer against the UAE. In May the UAE tours Sri Lanka for four one-day matches and practice sessions, before visiting Durham to play five matches against local combinations. The UAE will complete its preparation with a match in Ireland on June 29.

United States of America (See above.)

Canada To play four warm-up matches in eight days in England, including games against Somerset and Gloucestershire. Not planning any matches in Ireland.

Holland Dutch officials will advise on their preparations after consulting with the national coach Bob Simpson. Simpson arrives in Holland on June 1, when the Dutch will begin daily training.

Namibia Aside from Scotland, are probably planning the most extensive preparations. Beat Zimbabwe A 2-0 with one washed out in their recent one-day series. An MCC team has just arrived, to play one three-day and two one-day matches against the Namibian national side before heading to Uganda. Namibia themselves travel to Nairobi shortly to play Kenya in their Intercontinental Cup match and a one-dayer, before playing the South African provincial team North West Dragons at the end of March. Pakistan A will tour Namibia from April 21 to May 2, before Namibia travel to Uganda for the Intercontinental Cup as well as some one-day games. Will play three practice matches in England, followed by two in Ireland.

Oman Between May 10 and May 25, Sandeep Patil's team will play several matches in Mumbai against three "high-ranking" teams, according to Omani officials. Three weeks prior to the tournament will travel to Ireland to acclimatise and play trial matches against yet-to-be determined opposition.

Scotland On the advice of new coach Andy Moles, Scotland have cancelled a tour of Namibia, but Moles will scout for further county games before their 11 matches against county opposition in the Totesport League and C&G Trophy this summer. The Scots undoubtedly have the best-quality preparation of any country.

Italy Most of the team will touch down in Kuala Lumpur straight from a European winter, but their South African contingent has been playing throughout the southern-hemisphere summer, while the fast bowler Alaud Din played league cricket in Lahore during November and December. And yes, Joe Scuderi will be playing.

Kuwait The national team has been playing matches against local club teams at home. Now in the UAE facing leading local club teams at Sharjah Stadium. Arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

Nepal In what their coach Roy Dias said was a "disaster", Nepal have lost their star batsman Sarad Sesawkar for next week's tournament after a bout of typhoid. Presently touring in Sri Lanka. On Sunday, beat Colombo Colts, Dias's old club. Dias told us that onlookers Sanath Jayasuriya and Rumesh Kaluwitharana were impressed, as was Chaminda Vaas who batted but did not bowl against Nepal. The Nepalese lost matches against Sri Lankan Academy teams on the last two days.

Papua New Guinea The ICC's East Asia Pacific office has given PNG, third at the 1982 ICC Trophy, every opportunity to regain their former glory. They toured southern Queensland in November, playing five matches on turf pitches, winning three. An East Asia Pacific squad, including 10 PNG players, competed in the Australian Country Championships last month, playing five two-day one-innings games. Their coach Api Leka told us that the experience has encouraged his players to build an innings.

Cayman Islands Provide the romance of the tournament. Theo Cuffy, the archetypal players' coach, said this week: "The players have lost everything, including houses, businesses, clothing, cars," from devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan in November. Essential facilities central to the Caymans' preparations were destroyed, and the financial loss made an overseas tour impossible. Have been training at home - and very determined.

Fiji Played the second match of a three-game visit to Sydney yesterday, losing to a Combined NSW Indigenous/Under-19 team team which overtook Fiji's 123 with seven wickets and more than ten overs to spare. Yesterday, lost to a St George lower-grade XI by 60 runs. BTTW's man at the ground reported that Fiji had plenty of strokemakers, but no Geoff Marsh to hold up an end. Played Neil Maxwell's UTS-Balmain Sydney club side today.

Qatar Currently touring Sri Lanka, playing three matches. Reportedly won their first match today. Arrive in KL on Saturday.

Zambia Rank outsiders. Scraped into this tournament just ahead of Tanzania. Although training is now into its second month, preparations have been rocked by domestic turmoil, where the new administration found the Zambia Cricket Union bank account empty, and had to start fundraising for this tour on December 1. The team will play its first match since qualifying in August in Kula Lumpur.