Asia Qualifier for T20I Cricket World Cup 2024 Begins in Nepal

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Asia qualifier is set to kick off in Nepal on October 30, 2023, with the event running until November 6. The tournament features eight teams - host nation Nepal and seven other teams namely, Bahrain, Hong Kong China, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Competitors are vying for two spots in next year's T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the USA.

Divided into two groups of four, Group A consists of Nepal, Singapore, Oman, and Malaysia; while UAE, Bahrain, Hong Kong China, and Kuwait make up Group B. The competition includes 12 group-stage matches leading up to the semi-finals on November 3. The finalists return with a secured spot in the T20 World Cup and face each other on November 5 for the Asia Qualifier championship title. The team and match officials leave on November 06 thus concluding the event.

Nepal's cricket team starts as favorites to secure one of the coveted T20 World Cup spots, owing to their home-field advantage and impressive performance earlier this year at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Currently ranked 16th worldwide in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, they're followed closely by fellow competitors UAE (17), Oman (20), Hong Kong China (21), Malaysia (25), Kuwait (27), Bahrain (28), and Singapore (36).

Aminul Islam, ICC Regional Development Manager – Asia, emphasized the rapid growth of cricket across the Asia region and anticipates an exciting competition fueled by fervent supporters. Chatur Bahadur Chand, CEO of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), expressed gratitude towards the ICC for hosting such a prestigious event in Nepal.

Rohit Kumar Puadel, Nepal's team captain, shared his excitement about continuing their successful journey and meeting fans' expectations. With dedication and determination driving their ambition to qualify for next year's T20 World Cup, the Nepali team aims to make history once more.