🏏 ICC Announces Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier Schedule in Nepal
🌍 A Historic Gateway to the Biggest Stage in Women’s Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier, a high-stakes tournament set to be hosted in Nepal from January 14 to February 1, 2026.
With ten teams battling for just four remaining spots, this qualifier represents the final and most intense pathway to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in England and Wales in June–July.
Beyond qualification, the event carries historic significance:
- Nepal becomes a global women’s cricket hub
- Emerging teams gain rare exposure
- Women’s cricket takes another step toward true globalisation
🇳🇵 Nepal Hosts a Landmark ICC Event
Nepal’s selection as host is a major endorsement of its growing cricket infrastructure and commitment to women’s cricket.
🏟️ Venues for the Global Qualifier:
- Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground (TU Ground)
- Mulpani Cricket Ground – Upper
- Mulpani Cricket Ground – Lower
All matches will be played in Kathmandu, allowing efficient logistics, consistent pitch preparation, and packed local crowds.
This is the largest ICC women’s event ever hosted by Nepal, marking a defining moment for the nation’s cricketing journey.
⏰ Match Timings & Daily Format
The tournament follows a two-session daily structure, ensuring maximum exposure and broadcast value.
🕘 Match Timings:
- Morning Session: 9:00 AM (Local Time)
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM (Local Time)
This format allows:
- Multiple matches per day
- Equal rest periods
- Optimal playing conditions during winter in Kathmandu
🔢 Tournament Format Explained
🧩 Teams: 10
🎟️ Qualification Spots: 4
📊 Stages:
- Group Stage
- Super 6s
- Top 4 Qualify for World Cup
🧱 Group Breakdown
🔵 Group A
- Bangladesh
- Ireland
- Namibia
- Papua New Guinea
- United States
🟢 Group B
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Scotland
- Thailand
- Zimbabwe
Each team plays four group matches.
🚦 How Qualification Works
📈 Step-by-Step Path:
- Top 3 teams from each group → Advance to Super 6s
- Super 6s played in round-robin format
- Top 4 teams overall → Qualify for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
There is no margin for error — a single poor match could end World Cup dreams.
📅 Opening Day: January 14 – Cricket Marathon Begins
The tournament kicks off with a packed opening day featuring five matches, instantly setting the tone.
🏏 Opening Day Fixtures:
Morning (9 AM):
- Bangladesh vs Netherlands – TU Ground
- Zimbabwe vs Papua New Guinea – Upper Mulpani
- Nepal vs Ireland – Lower Mulpani
Afternoon (1 PM):
- Namibia vs Thailand – TU Ground
- USA vs Scotland – Upper Mulpani
The clash between Nepal and Ireland will be one of the most watched, given home support and Ireland’s experience.
🔍 Full Fixture Breakdown & Competitive Flow
The schedule ensures:
- Balanced rest
- No unfair back-to-back disadvantages
- Equal exposure for all teams
Each matchday presents direct qualification implications, especially for mid-table teams.
🧠 Cricketing Insight: Why This Qualifier Is Brutal
Unlike World Cups where teams get breathing space, Global Qualifiers are unforgiving.
🔥 Key Challenges:
- Short tournament window
- Pitch adaptation required immediately
- Limited recovery time
- Pressure of elimination
Experienced teams cannot afford complacency, while emerging sides have nothing to lose.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Group A Favorites Under Pressure
Bangladesh enter the qualifier as one of the strongest teams on paper, but pressure will be immense.
🔑 Strengths:
- Regular exposure to top-tier cricket
- Experienced spin attack
- Strong batting depth
⚠️ Concerns:
- Expectations to qualify comfortably
- Cold January conditions
- Past struggles under knockout pressure
Anything less than qualification would be seen as a major setback.
🇮🇪 Ireland: Experience vs Consistency
Ireland bring World Cup pedigree, but recent performances have been inconsistent.
🧠 Tactical Edge:
- Smart powerplay bowling
- Strong fielding unit
Their clash with Bangladesh could determine Super 6 momentum.
🇳🇵 Nepal: Home Advantage, Massive Expectations
Nepal’s women’s team steps into the biggest spotlight in its history.
🌟 Why Nepal Matters:
- Passionate home crowd
- Familiar pitches
- Rapidly improving talent pool
However, handling expectation pressure will be the real test.
🇳🇱 Netherlands & 🇺🇸 USA: Quiet Contenders
Both teams have shown significant improvement in recent ICC cycles.
Netherlands:
- Tactical discipline
- Strong all-round options
USA:
- Athletic fielding
- Aggressive batting approach
Either could sneak into the top four with consistency.
🇹🇭 Thailand: Dangerous Outsiders
Thailand have already proven they can upset bigger teams in ICC events.
Why Thailand Are Dangerous:
- Fearless approach
- Strong spin bowling
- Team cohesion
They thrive in Asian conditions, making them a genuine threat.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe & 🇳🇦 Namibia: Rebuilding with Intent
Both teams are in transition phases, but qualifiers offer perfect exposure.
If either strings together early wins, momentum could carry them deep.
🏟️ Pitch & Conditions Analysis (Kathmandu)
🌡️ January Conditions:
- Cool mornings
- Dry afternoons
- Slight dew in evening sessions
🏏 Pitch Behaviour:
- Early assistance for seamers
- Spin dominant as tournament progresses
- Batting improves under sunlight
Teams with quality spinners and adaptable batters will dominate.
📊 Strategic Keys to Qualification
🔑 Winning Formula:
- Strong powerplay bowling
- Rotating strike on slower pitches
- Smart use of spinners
- Avoiding net run rate damage
NRR could be decisive in tight group standings.
🌍 Bigger Picture: What This Qualifier Means for Women’s Cricket
This event is more than just qualification.
🌱 Long-Term Impact:
- Strengthens Associate Nations
- Expands women’s cricket footprint
- Creates new fan bases
- Provides ICC with data for future expansion
Hosting in Nepal highlights ICC’s commitment to global growth, not just elite nations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ How many teams qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026?
A: Four teams qualify from the Global Qualifier.
❓ Where will the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 be held?
A: In England and Wales during June–July 2026.
❓ How many teams are in the Global Qualifier?
A: Ten teams, split into two groups.
❓ What happens after the group stage?
A: Top three teams from each group advance to the Super 6s.
❓ Which venues are hosting matches?
A: Tribhuvan University Ground and Upper & Lower Mulpani Grounds in Kathmandu.
🏁 Final Verdict: A Defining Tournament for Women’s Cricket
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier in Nepal is set to be one of the most competitive and consequential tournaments in women’s cricket history.
With:
- Careers on the line
- Nations chasing first-time World Cup entries
- Home crowds fueling belief
Every match will matter.
By hosting this event, Nepal steps onto the global cricket map, while the ICC sends a clear message:
Women’s cricket belongs everywhere.
ICC Announces Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier Schedule in Nepal