AMSTERDAM, June 25: Dutch hockey experts will help that country's cricket association organise its biggest tournament when Pakistan, India and Australia lock horns in a triangular one-day series in August, Dutch cricket chief said.

Royal Dutch Cricket Association KNCB, organisers of August 21-28 tournament, will outsource several facilities - marketing experts, ground staff, umpires and match referee from a neutral country. But most fascinating is help KNCB is seeking from Dutch Hockey Board (DHB). "We have strengthened our relationship with DHB," KNCB president Ren van Ierschot said.

"That board has organised hockey Champions Trophies, European Championships and other major events at the stadium located immediately adjacent to cricket venue (Amsterdam Cricket Club VRA)," van Ierschot said. "We will use their experience in many respects for our own event."

The triangular series will be a warm-up for three teams before they take part in Champions Trophy, second biggest cricket tournament after World Cup, which will be played in England Sept 10-25.

KNCB president said because of short time left for triangular, various facilities would be outsourced to ensure "professionalism and high quality".

Local groundsman Paul Polak will be assisted by English pitch consultants, who are being provided by European Cricket Council and English & Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

All four matches, including final, will be played on turf pitches of VRA ground that can seat 10,000 people. A fifth one, an exhibition match between Pakistan and the Netherlands on Aug 30, will be staged at same venue that successfully hosted a 1999 World Cup match between South Africa and Kenya.

During the tournament, some players may be requested to promote the game in the Netherlands - a country that is better known for its tulips, windmills and prowess in hockey and football.

"Dutch cricket supporters are excited about chance to see all those cricket stars live in their own country. Some people do not yet understand magnitude of the event," said van Ierschot. -PPI