Emirates Cricket board (ECB) chief executive officer David east (right) says hosting the ICC under-19 World Cup is a huge boost for the sport in the UAE.

The best young players on the planet have landed for the 15-day tournament which begins on Friday, with 48 matches being played across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The World Cup will be the first ICC tournament held in the UAE, and East is excited about the effect it can have. “Cricket here in the UAE is advancing,” he said.

“Any high-profile tournament will raise the popularity of cricket in the country and we are very grateful it is happening here.”

The 54-year-old is delighted with the development of the under-19s and insists any player who shines could be given the opportunity to play in next month’s T20 World Cup in bangladesh.

“We have a very, very good crop of players coming through. The national team has done a fantastic job and some are coming towards the end of their playing careers and it’s important you have that continual flow.”

East added: “This tournament is very prestigious in the ICC calendar and we are delighted to be hosting. We will demonstrate once again that we can host these tournaments, and host them very well.”