The journey to the Cricket World Cup 2027 has kicked off in Nepal with the commencement of the first tri-series of the new Cricket World Cup League 2 cycle. The competition, reminiscent of the inaugural edition from 2019 to 2023, now features an expanded eight-team format, consisting of 24 tri-series with six matches each, totaling 144 ODIs.
The League 2 competition offers automatic spots for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier to teams that secure a top-four finish, a significant milestone for all eight participating teams aiming for a successful World Cup campaign.
For teams finishing in the bottom four of League 2, the journey doesn’t end as they still have a chance to qualify for the Cricket World Cup through the Qualifier Play-off. However, there’s a risk of demotion to the Cricket World Cup Challenge League for underperforming teams, as experienced by Papua New Guinea in the previous cycle.
Six teams return to League 2 after featuring in the last edition, joined by two newcomers. The Netherlands, led by wicket-keeper batter Scott Edwards, enter the competition as early favorites, while Canada secured promotion after outperforming Jersey and Papua New Guinea in the Qualifier Play-off.
Exciting matchups await in the League 2, with defending champions Scotland facing potential challenges from the Netherlands and Oman, led by Zeeshan Maqsood. Nepal, hosting the first tri-series against Namibia and the Netherlands, aims for a strong start following a recent series win over Canada.
Captain Rohit Paudel expressed optimism about Nepal’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of a good start in League 2 as part of their qualification campaign for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Namibia seeks redemption against Nepal after missing out on Qualifier entry in the last cycle, while the USA and the UAE look to make their mark in the competition.
The first League 2 tri-series featuring Nepal, Namibia, and the Netherlands will commence on February 15 at the Tribhuvan University Ground, Kirtipur. The series promises thrilling cricket action as teams vie for crucial points on their path to the Cricket World Cup 2027.
