Dubai, Oct 9 (IANS): The 2015 cricket World Cup trophy is in the United Arab Emirates as part of an exhibition world tour which began July 3.

The trophy was received at the International Cricket Council (ICC) academy by UAE coach and former Pakistan player Aqib Javed Wednesday after visiting Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, England, Wales, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Afghanistan, Pakistan, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

It is scheduled to travel to the West Indies after being exhibited at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

"This trophy holds a special place in every cricketer's heart. It is the biggest prize in international cricket. UAE will be playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1996 and we are confident of putting in a performance that will make our fans proud," said Javed.

UAE recently returned from a tour of Australia, aimed at giving match experience to the four qualifying associate teams -- Afghanistan, Ireland, Scotland and the UAE -- ahead of the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Feb 14-March 29 tournament begins in Christchurch and Melbourne with the UAE playing their first match against Zimbabwe Feb 19 in Nelson, New Zealand.

"We are thrilled to welcome the trophy to UAE as part of its official worldwide tour and we are confident it will be warmly received and celebrated during its two-week visit," Emirates Cricket Board chief executive David East said.

"As the UAE team embarks on their journey to the World Cup, we look forward to seeing the people of the UAE rally behind, and support it in its mission."