ICC have approved the Moroccan city of Tangier as cricket's newest international venue, bringing north Africa onto the world stage for the first time. Tangier will host South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for its inaugural limited-overs tournament from August 12 to 21, ICC announced.

The $25 million Tangier Cricket Stadium has been constructed by the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS), organisers of one-day internationals in Sharjah.

"The ICC has granted international status to the Tangier Cricket Stadium in Morocco, official approval that will allow it to become north Africas first international cricket venue," an ICC statement said.

"Last week, ICC Match Referee Mike Procter visited Morocco to carry out a detailed inspection of the ground, facilities and infrastructure.

"His report to the ICC recommended that the stadium should be granted international status, after meeting all of the relevant cricketing admission criteria.

"Measures adopted will mirror those recommended by the Anti-Corruption Unit and implemented for cricket in Sharjah."

Cricket in Morocco is administered by the Federation Royale Morocaine De Cricket (FRMC), an affiliate member of ICC.

Tournaments will be organised on behalf of the FRMC by the Sharjah-based CBFS.

Cricket was introduced in Morocco in 1991 and received a big boost after the construction of the Tangier stadium in 1999.

Former Indian Test star Mohinder Amarnath, hired by the CBFS to teach cricket to youngsters in Morocco, said Tangier "was a great place to hold international matches."

"There is already a lot of interest in the game among the locals, who play tournaments regularly."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd