Seven countries have so far confirmed their participation for this year's Asian Cricket Council Trophy to be held in the United Arab Emirates in November.

International debutantes, Kuwait, along with the Maldives, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and host, the UAE, have confirmed their entries for what is likely to be an eight team event, slated for November 15-24.

The last place is likely to be filled by either Fiji or newly inducted ICC and ACC member, Oman.

Finances will influence Fiji's decision to participate, as it is already scheduled to compete in the inaugural Pacifica Cup in Auckland in January as well as next year's ICC Trophy in Canada.

Tournament organiser, Mr. Mazhar Khan, said there was a possibility of a 10 team event should Papua-New Guinea be able to attend.

The final will be played in Sharjah, with preliminary matches spread evenly between Sharjah and Dubai.

Mr. Khan said the semi-finals and final would be televised by one of Asia's leading television companies.

Officials of the ACC told BTTW last year the finalists of the 2000 ACC trophy would qualify for the next Asia Cup.