Yorkshire to defend trophy in UAE

Anthony McGarth will captain Yorkshire in the UAE in March

Yorkshire have confirmed they will travel to the the United Arab Emirates again next year to defend the Pro Arch Trophy title they won last pre-season.

Next year's tournament will take place in March 2009 and feature two pools of four teams.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said: "We are looking forward to spending another pre-season in the UAE.

"Last season it provided us with an exceptional foundation to take into the domestic season."

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.

Our one-day performances in particular definitely benefited from our Abu Dhabi preparation in 2008.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan

Although the other teams have not been confirmed, they are expected to be Lancashire, Middlesex, Essex, Sussex, Surrey, the UAE national team and an Emirates All-Star XI.

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

Regan added: "The practice facilities and guaranteed weather make it an excellent place to get ready for the summer ahead.

"Our one-day performances in particular definitely benefited from our Abu Dhabi preparation in 2008."