Nepal to host Cricket World Cup qualifier playoff in December
Eight teams will contest four remaining places at the 2027 World Cup, with Victory in the Global Qualifier earning direct group-stage entry.
Nepal will host the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff from Dec. 4 to 21, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement on Friday.
Eight teams will compete in a round-robin format for the final four spots in the 2027 World Cup qualifier.
The tournament opens with Nepal playing Italy at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, while 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 contesting the remaining places in the 10-team Global Qualifier.
Six teams have already qualified for the Global Qualifier: West Indies, Ireland, USA, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman.
West Indies and Ireland earned their places as the highest-ranked sides outside the teams already qualified for the 2027 tournament, excluding full member co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.
USA, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman qualified directly by finishing in the top four of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2.
Gaurav Saxena, ICC General Manager – Events and Operations, said the playoff is a crucial stage in the pathway to the 2027 tournament.
"Competitions such as this provide teams with valuable opportunities," Saxena said.
Victory in the Global Qualifier will earn one team direct entry to the Group Stage, while the teams finishing second, third and fourth will move into the newly formed Super Series.
The 2027 World Cup will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from Oct. 2 to Nov. 21, with 14 teams playing 57 matches at 12 venues.