Nepal to stage ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier from January 12
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Nepal will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier from 12 January to 2 February 2026. The 21-day tournament will take place across two venues in Kathmandu: Lower Mulpani Cricket Stadium and Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadium.
Ten teams will compete for four qualification spots to the main event in England and Wales, which will run from 12 June to 5 July 2026. The Qualifier will feature a group stage, a Super Six round, and a final, with the complete match schedule to be announced soon.
Bangladesh, Scotland among confirmed teams; five spots still up for grabs
Bangladesh and Scotland have already secured places in the Qualifier after competing in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, won by New Zealand in Dubai. They are joined by Thailand and Nepal from the Asia region and the United States from the Americas, bringing the confirmed total to five teams.
The remaining five teams will be determined through regional qualifying tournaments, with two teams each from Africa, Europe, and Asia, and one each from the East Asia-Pacific and Americas.
Path to England and Wales: 4 spots on the line
The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will feature 12 teams playing 33 matches across seven UK venues, including Old Trafford (Manchester), Headingley (Leeds), Hampshire Bowl (Southampton), and Bristol County Ground.
The global qualifier in Nepal will be a crucial step for emerging teams aiming to earn their place on cricket’s biggest stage for women’s T20. It also marks a significant moment for Nepalese cricket, showcasing its growing infrastructure and capability to host major international events.
