A tri-series against all odds!

The Netherlands Cricket Association has only two regular members and is relying on volunteers and contracted companies to pull off the series.

Athens might have proved itself capable of hosting the Olympics but it remains to be seen whether the Netherlands could get it right in holding a key triangular one-day tournament that will serve as a build up for three most vibrant cricketing nations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

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Besides the gloomy forecast for the weekend coinciding with the start of the series, the country that is known more for its footballing prowess is trying every bit to make the tournament featuring world champions Australia, India and Pakistan a success against all odds.

The Netherlands Cricket Association (KNCB) has only two regular staff members and is relying on volunteers and contracted companies to pull off the tri-series from August 21 to 28.

Event manager Betty Timmer throws up her hand at almost any and every request and media manager Hugo Nilesson wouldn't let you know the name of the hotel where the teams are staying as he considers it a privileged information.

The ground is pretty but would be hard on bowlers with only 57 yards front boundaries. Even a 350 looks eminently gettable if the likes of Matthew Hayden, Yuvraj Singh and Abdur Razzaq are able to crunch the ball through their mighty bats.

That is, if the weather gods show some mercy, since the weathermen have predicted thunder showers right around the time the event gets off on Saturday.

Compounding the organisational mess is the logistics or the lack of it.

The teams are staying in Amsterdam, will be playing in a suburb of the city, Amstelveen, and would be practising in another city, Utrecht!

It promises to be a tough assignment for players and everyone alike!