Nepal to Host World Cup Qualifier Playoff
Nepal will host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff from December 4 to 21, the International Cricket Council confirmed on Friday. The World Cup Qualifier Playoff will decide the last four places in the 10-team Global Qualifier for the 2027 World Cup.
Eight teams will play a round-robin tournament in Kathmandu. Hosts Nepal open their campaign against Italy at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on December 4. Namibia and Uganda play at the same time at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.
Canada, Kuwait, Jersey and the United Arab Emirates are the other teams in the playoff. The top four will go through to the Global Qualifier, where six teams already wait.
The World Cup Qualifier Playoff and the road to 2027
West Indies, Ireland, the United States, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman have already secured their places in the Global Qualifier. West Indies and Ireland qualified directly as the highest-ranked teams outside those that have already reached the 2027 World Cup, apart from co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The United States, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman took their places by finishing in the top four of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.
The winner of the Global Qualifier will go straight into the group stage of the 2027 World Cup. The teams that finish second, third and fourth will move into the newly introduced Super Series. The World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with 14 teams playing 57 matches at 12 venues.
What the ICC said
ICC general manager of events and operations Gaurav Saxena called the playoff 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,” he said.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Nepal’s rise
Nepal’s hosting role reflects the team’s rise in world cricket. The side beat Scotland at the T20 World Cup in Mumbai in February this year, and the home crowds in Kathmandu are among the most passionate in the associate game.
For the eight teams in the playoff, the prize is a place among the ten in the Global Qualifier. Four will make it. The rest will have to wait for the next cycle.
Pakistan’s fans will watch the pathway with interest. The 2027 World Cup is the next 50-over global tournament, and the qualifiers will decide which associate sides join the established teams in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Feature Pakistan has followed the associate game and Pakistan’s youth sides closely. Farhan Yousaf is confident Pakistan can defend their Under-19 Asia Cup title, Samad and the Shaheens are part of the Asia Cup Rising Stars, Brendan Taylor scored a century for Zimbabwe against Afghanistan and Arafat Minhas was named the ICC player of the month for October.
When is the World Cup Qualifier Playoff?
December 4 to 21, 2026, in Nepal. Eight teams play a round-robin, and the top four reach the Global Qualifier.
Which teams are playing?
Nepal, Italy, Namibia, Uganda, Canada, Kuwait, Jersey and the United Arab Emirates.
Who is already in the Global Qualifier?
West Indies, Ireland, the United States, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman.
What does the winner get?
The winner of the Global Qualifier goes straight into the group stage of the 2027 World Cup. The next three teams move into the new Super Series.
