I have spent this last week at the Dubai Sports City head office working with the media management team in preparation for the upcoming Chapal Cup Series between Pakistan and Australia.

I must say that its quite an experience working with the administrators.

I never realised how much work goes into ensuring the success of a cricket series.

Considering that this is the first series that the Dubai Sports City is going to host, one can just imagine the extra pressure the organizers are under.

It is completely different being at the other end of the spectrum.

All my life, I have enjoyed cricket as a viewer. Wake up, turn up at the ground, write some banners, blow some whistles, cheer at the top of your lungs, watch the match in between, bitch about the traffic on the way out, discuss the match, and get back to bed.

Sounds pretty simple.

For the organizers its a totally different ball game altogether.

Its tough and its demanding, but at the end of the day, its a lot of fun!

They not only have to make sure that the viewers are happy, but also have to meet the expectations of the players, officials, media, et all.

Thus far, everyone has been satisfied.

The Pakistanis have already been in Dubai for a few days and the men who matter - Intikhab Alam and Younis Khan - have praised the ground as well as Dubai Sports City for being great hosts.

Pakistan also got a first taste of the pitch and the ground under match conditions, when they took on Pakistan A in a practice match yesterday.

The buzz around Dubai for the series is peaking and tickets are selling fast.

People are not only excited about watching Pakistan in action, but they are also looking forward to watch Australia, who will play in this part of the world after 7 years.

The Aussies arrive in Dubai from South Africa in a couple of days and all of us here are waiting for them with bated breath.

22nd April 2009 is going to be a major milestone for Dubai, as the Emirate hosts its first ever international cricket match.

I say make sure you are a part of it!