What to Expect from ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier

The anticipation is reaching its peak as the cricketing world gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 EAP Qualifier, which is scheduled to be held in the beautiful landscapes of Papua New Guinea from 22nd to 29th July. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on an exhilarating journey through the format, qualification process, and fixtures of this highly awaited cricketing extravaganza.

Tournament Format and Road to Glory

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA boasting a record 20 participating teams, the stakes have never been higher. Among these, 12 teams have already cemented their places in the showpiece event, leaving eight coveted spots up for grabs during the EAP Qualifier.

To kickstart the action, the 20 teams will be divided into four groups, each containing five teams. The top two teams from each group will progress to the fiercely competitive Super Eight phase. Here, the remaining teams will be split into two groups of four, battling it out for the top two positions to secure their passage to the semi-finals and ultimately the grand finale.

The Battle for Qualification

The composition of the 20 participating teams is a testament to the global nature of the sport, as it includes representatives from various regions:

Host Nations: USA and West Indies will have the honor of hosting this grand event on their home soil.

Top Performers from 2022 World Cup: The best eight teams from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 will be gracing the stage. The line-up comprises cricketing giants such as Australia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

Best of the Rest: The ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings as of 14th November 2022 played a crucial role in deciding the qualification of two exceptional teams – Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Regional Qualifiers: The path to glory was arduous for eight teams who battled their way through the regional qualifiers from different corners of the world.

Regional Qualifier Finals – A Test of Tenacity

The regional qualifiers provided a gripping narrative of passion, determination, and unyielding will, as teams from diverse regions fought tooth and nail to book their tickets to the EAP Qualifier. Let’s delve into each regional final:

Europe (2 Qualifying Teams)

The European regional qualifier finals unfolded from 20th to 28th July 2023 in Scotland, where cricketing prowess reached its pinnacle. The following teams engaged in riveting contests to secure their spots:

Austria

Denmark

Germany

Ireland

Italy

Jersey

Scotland

East Asia Pacific (1 Qualifying Team)

From 21st to 29th July 2023, Papua New Guinea played host to the East Asia Pacific regional qualifier. This leg showcased a thrilling battle among the following teams:

Japan

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Vanuatu

Americas (1 Qualifying Team)

The Americas regional qualifier finals were set ablaze from 30th September to 7th October 2023 in Bermuda, where a fierce fight for supremacy unfolded. The participating teams were:

Bermuda

Canada

Cayman Islands

Panama

Africa (2 Qualifying Teams)

From 20th November to 1st December 2023, Namibia emerged as the battleground for the African regional qualifier finals. The following teams demonstrated their mettle in pursuit of qualification:

Kenya

Namibia

Nigeria

Rwanda

Tanzania

Uganda

Zimbabwe

Asia (2 Qualifying Teams)

While the dates and location for the Asian regional qualifier finals are yet to be disclosed, the teams that will be competing to secure their place are:

Bahrain

Hong Kong

Nepal

Oman

Singapore

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Winner of Sub Regional Qualifier A

Winner of Sub Regional Qualifier B

EAP Qualifier Fixtures – Clash of Titans