KATHMANDU, NEPAL – The race to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup heats up as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 commences in Kirtipur, Nepal this Thursday. Hosts Nepal will battle with Namibia and the Netherlands in the first of 24 thrilling tri-series that will ultimately propel four teams to the World Cup Qualifier.
Canada, Oman, Scotland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America round out the eight-team League 2 competition. Over the next two and a half years, a total of 144 matches will be played, with only the top four teams progressing to the World Cup Qualifier.
The stakes are high, as the four survivors of the Qualifier Play-Offs and teams failing to qualify automatically based on ICC ODI Rankings will also contend in the Qualifier stage. The top four teams from the Qualifier will join 10 direct qualifiers in the coveted World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Pathway to the Top
ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley emphasized the significance of League 2: “The League 2 fixtures… provide a pathway to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027… and provide a programme of highly competitive cricket around which teams can plan their calendars.”
Tetley also noted the role of League 2 in preparation for this year’s Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. He wished all players success in the fiercely competitive league.
Nepal captain Rohit Paudel expressed his team’s eagerness to play their first League 2 series on home soil, fueled by their recent 3-0 win over Canada: “We are pleased to be hosting… These are exciting times… our qualification campaign [is] starting for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.”
Fixtures for Nepal Tri-Series
- Feb 15: Nepal vs Namibia
- Feb 17: Nepal vs Netherlands
- Feb 19: Namibia vs Netherlands
- Feb 21: Nepal vs Namibia
- Feb 23: Namibia vs Netherlands
- Feb 25: Nepal vs Netherlands
Fans can anticipate passionate battles as teams pursue their World Cup dream. Don’t miss the electrifying start of this pivotal journey!
