Nepal to Host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier: A Big Step for Cricket

Cricket fans, get ready for exciting news! Nepal will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier from January 12 to February 16, 2026. This is a big moment for Nepal, as it marks the first time the country will host a global women’s cricket event. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling tournament and what it means for cricket lovers worldwide.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier: Nepal Takes Center Stage

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has chosen Nepal to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier. This 21-day event will see ten teams compete for four spots in the main tournament, which will take place in England and Wales in 2026. Hosting this event is a proud moment for Nepal and a chance to showcase its growing love for cricket.

The matches will be played at two venues in Kathmandu: the Mulpani Cricket Stadium and the TU Ground. These locations will welcome international teams and fans, boosting women’s cricket in South Asia.

Tournament Format: How Teams Will Qualify

The Qualifier in Nepal will follow an exciting format. The ten teams will be divided into two groups of five. After the group stage, the top teams will move to the Super Six stage. The tournament will end with a grand final, where the top four teams will earn their spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The full match schedule will be announced soon, so stay tuned for updates!

Teams Competing in the Nepal Qualifier

Five teams have already secured their places in the Qualifier. Bangladesh and Ireland earned their spots by participating in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Nepal and Thailand qualified through the Asia regional pathway, while the USA secured their place from the Americas region. The remaining five spots will come from regional qualifiers in Africa (two teams), Europe (two teams), and East Asia-Pacific (one team). This mix of teams promises a thrilling competition.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: The Main Event in England and Wales

The main tournament, the 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, will run from June 12 to July 5, 2026, in England and Wales. It will feature 33 matches over 24 days across seven iconic venues, including Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, and Bristol County Ground. The grand final will take place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, a dream stage for any cricketer.

Group A and Group B: Who’s Playing?

The ICC has already announced the groups for the 2026 World Cup:

• Group A: Australia (defending champions), South Africa (2024 runners-up), India, Pakistan, and two teams from the Qualifier.
• Group B: England (hosts), New Zealand (2020 champions), Sri Lanka, West Indies, and two Qualifier teams.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on June 30 and July 2 at The Oval, leading to the final on July 5 at Lord’s.

Why Nepal Hosting Matters

Nepal hosting the Qualifier is a game-changer for cricket in the region. It shows the ICC’s trust in Nepal’s ability to organize a global event. This opportunity will inspire young players, especially women, to take up cricket. Local fans will also get to watch high-quality matches, bringing more excitement to the sport in Nepal.

What to Expect from the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will be bigger than ever, with 12 teams competing for the title. New Zealand, the 2024 champions, will aim to defend their crown, but they’ll face tough competition from teams like Australia, England, India, and South Africa. With the Qualifier teams adding fresh talent, the tournament promises to be full of surprises.

How to Stay Updated

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