Nepal to Host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2026

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that Nepal will be the host nation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier, which is scheduled from January 12 to February 16, 2026.

This significant qualifier event will feature ten teams competing fiercely for the remaining four places in the 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The main tournament is slated to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026.

The primary event will consist of 33 matches played over 24 days at seven different venues. Noteworthy locations include Old Trafford, Headingley, the Hampshire Bowl, and the Bristol County Ground. The final match will take place at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground.

In Nepal, the Qualifier will divide the ten participating teams into two groups, each containing five teams. This will be succeeded by a Super Six stage and then the Final. The complete match schedule will be announced at a later time.

Bangladesh and Ireland have already secured their positions in the Qualifier due to their involvement in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Nepal and Thailand earned their spots through the Asia regional route, while the USA secured their place via the Americas region.

The final five teams will be determined through forthcoming regional qualifiers, allocating two spots each for Africa and Europe, and one for the East Asia-Pacific region.

Additionally, on June 18, the ICC revealed the groupings and locations for the 2026 main event in England and Wales:

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

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