Kathmandu, 22 October (H.S.): Nepal will host the play-off tournament for qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, with matches scheduled to be played in Kathmandu from December 4 to 21. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced the development.

The tournament will feature the four lowest-ranked teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings, along with the top two teams each from Challenge League A and Challenge League B. A total of eight teams will compete in the play-off.

The four highest-placed teams in the tournament will qualify for the World Cup Qualifier, the next stage of qualification for the 50-over World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa and Namibia in 2027.

Six of the eight participating teams have been confirmed so far. Nepal, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are assured of finishing among the bottom four teams in League 2 and securing places in the play-off. Italy and Uganda have also qualified through Challenge League B.

Jersey has secured its place from Challenge League A, while Kuwait is on the verge of qualification. However, with some matches still remaining, Kuwait’s participation has not yet been officially confirmed.

The eighth place will go to either Oman or Namibia from League 2. The identity of the final qualifier has yet to be officially determined.

Play-Off Schedule to Affect Nepal’s Series Against India A

The staging of the World Cup Qualifier Play-Off in Nepal will also necessitate changes to the schedule of the cricket series between Nepal and India A, which was originally scheduled for December 9, 11 and 13.

According to Nepal Cricket, the revised schedule will be finalised through mutual consultation and agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Nepal. The updated fixtures will be announced at a later date.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar