Three spots in the World Cup were on offer and the Netherlands, host nation Canada and for the first time, Namibia qualified.

Kenya had also gained full ODI status, so both countries qualified for the 2003 Cricket World Cup automatically.

The first round group stage saw a unique two division format, designed to eliminate the mismatches that had blighted previous ICC Trophy tournaments.

However, Italy withdrew before the tournament started to protest Joe Scuderi being ruled ineligible despite being an Italian citizen.

West Africa also withdrew, leaving one of the Division Two groups with just four teams, after Canadian immigration officials refused the West African team entry into the country due to concerns the players, especially from Sierra Leone, would stay in Canada illegally after the tournament.