Intro:

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has called the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier that begins in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday "the biggest development event in cricket history".

It is not an empty boast as 16 teams from cricket's second and third tiers will play 71 matches at five venues over 12 days, with two places at stake in September's main event in Sri Lanka.

Script:

Crickets lesser known teams gathered in Dubai on Tuesday, ahead of the World Cup Twenty20 qualifiers.

Namibia captain Sarel Burger revels in the mystery.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Sarel Burger, Namibia captain

"There's a couple of big teams, like we all know Ireland, Scotland, Holland, and Afghanistan but the others the playing field is open and it's open for anyone."

Italy too are optimistic.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Di Venuto, Italy

"I think we'll surpirse a few in this tournament, we've got a few decent cricketers running around. And the nature of Twenty20 just brings everyone closer together. The shorter the game of cricket, it only takes one person to have a day out and they can have a huge effect."

Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones will play a part for Papua New Guinea - his place of birth.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Geraint Jones, Papua New Guinea

"We're flying under the radar a bit. We're here hoping to cause some upsets, but they are extremely talented. The batsmen at the top try to whack everything out of the park and the bowlers, with their slower balls - that sort of skill level. What has probably got a way to go is the thinking, but that comes with playing and experience and that's maybe where I can help out.

For two teams the prize is a place in the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September.