Three national teams took part: India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

The 1988 Sharjah Cup started with a round-robin tournament where each team played the other once.

The leading team qualified for the final in a knock-out tournament while the second and third-placed team contested a semi-final for the right to contest the final.

India won the tournament and US$30,000 in prize money.

A total of US$150,000 was disbursed in prize money, awards and benefits.