The ICC Board has approved a plan to establish a Global Qualifier for future ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, a decision that could directly affect Associate Members such as Nepal.
The decision was taken at the ICC Board meetings in Ahmedabad on Sunday. ICC management has been asked to finalise the structure and qualification pathway for a 16-team Global Qualifier. The proposal will be presented to relevant ICC committees at the next round of meetings.
Nepal were not named directly in the ICC release. However, the Global Qualifier plan is important for Nepal because it could shape the team’s future route to the Men’s T20 World Cup. Nepal have qualified for the 2024 and 2026 editions through the Asia regional pathway.
The ICC also approved several playing-condition updates. These include trialling pink balls in Test matches with prior agreement from both teams, allowing match officials to access Hawk-Eye data while assessing illegal bowling actions, and making the leg-side wides trial permanent.
For T20Is, the ICC will mandate 15-minute intervals. Head coaches or their designees will also be allowed to consult teams during scheduled drinks intervals. Batters will be required to be ready when play resumes.
Women’s cricket was another major focus. The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been moved to February 14-28. The ICC will also pilot a Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026 as a 10-team event, featuring five Full Members and five Associate Members.
The pathway for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 was also endorsed. The tournament will feature 12 teams. Ten teams will qualify automatically, while two spots will be decided through a 10-team Global Qualifier supported by regional qualifiers.
This could also become relevant for Nepal women, depending on rankings and regional allocation. The ICC said the regional allocations will be confirmed at its July meetings.
The ICC Board also suspended Cricket Canada from membership with immediate effect due to serious breaches of membership obligations. Canadian national teams will still be allowed to play ICC events during the suspension period.
The Board also expressed concern over the growth of franchise cricket. It will form a committee to assess how franchise competitions can be aligned with the international calendar.
