Dubai beckons for Yorkshire

Yorkshire won the inaugural Pro Arch Trophy

Yorkshire are set for another pre-season trip to Abu Dhabi in 2009 as they attempt to defend the Pro Arch Trophy they won this year.

The format of the competition has changed for 2009 to include eight teams playing in two groups of four. The winners of each group will contest the final, while the other teams will each play the team which finished in the same position in the other group to decide their final standings.

The 50-over tournament, played in the same format as the Friends Provident Trophy, will take place in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi from March 17-25.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said: “We are looking forward to spending another pre-season in the UAE and I’m sure the team will be keen to defend their Pro Arch title.

“Last season’s successful tour provided us with an exceptional foundation to take into the domestic season.

“The practice facilities and guaranteed weather make it an excellent place to get ready for the summer ahead and our one-day performances in particular definitely benefited from our Abu Dhabi preparation in 2008.”