Dubai, Nov 6: The Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoffs will begin in Kathmandu, Nepal, on December 4. Eight teams will compete for the final four places in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2027.
The round-robin tournament will continue until December 21. Hosts Nepal, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are among the teams competing for qualification.
Nepal to Face Italy in Opening Match
Hosts Nepal will face Italy at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on the opening day. Meanwhile, Namibia and Uganda will meet at the Mulpani Cricket Ground.
Canada, Kuwait, Jersey and the UAE will join them in the competition. The four teams that qualify will complete the 10-team lineup for the Global Qualifier.
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ICC Highlights Importance of Qualifier Playoffs
ICC General Manager – Events and Operations, Gaurav Saxena, described the tournament as a crucial stage in the qualification pathway.
“The Qualifier Play-off is a crucial stage in the pathway to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, and I am sure all eight teams will be eager to seize this opportunity and secure a place in the next stage.
“Associate cricket is vital to the continued growth and global development of our sport. Competitions such as this provide teams with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent, gain experience and raise their standards.
“The progress these teams have shown in recent years is encouraging, and I am confident we will witness some exciting and competitive cricket. On behalf of the ICC, I wish all the teams the very best,” he added.
Teams Already Qualified for Global Qualifier
Ireland and the West Indies have already secured places in the Global Qualifier. They qualified as the two highest-ranked teams outside the eight automatic World Cup qualifiers, excluding Full Member hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the USA, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman qualified directly through the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.
The Global Qualifier will determine the final four places in the 2027 World Cup. The winning team will earn direct entry to the tournament’s Group Stage.
However, the teams finishing second, third and fourth will enter the newly formed Super Series.
2027 Cricket World Cup to Feature 14 Teams
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will jointly host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 from October 2 to November 21.
The tournament will feature 14 teams and 57 matches across 12 venues.
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–IANS
