Nepal set for high-stakes ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in Oman

The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 intensifies as Nepal prepares to compete in the combined Asia and East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier, set to be held in Oman from 8 to 17 October. With three World Cup spots on the line, this 10-day event will be a pivotal moment for Nepal's T20 ambitions on the global stage.

Nepal will join hosts Oman, Papua New Guinea, and sub-regional qualifier winners from Kuwait, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Japan, and Samoa in the race for qualification. The tournament will be held at the Amerat Cricket Ground and played in two phases:

Group Stage: 8–10 October

Super Six Stage: 12–17 October

The nine participating teams have been divided into three groups for the opening stage of the tournament. Group 1 features UAE, Malaysia, and Qatar, while Group 2 includes Nepal, Kuwait, and East Asia-Pacific’s rising force Japan. Hosts Oman will compete in Group 3 alongside Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage. From there, the top three teams will book their tickets to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

For Nepal, this qualifier offers more than just a pathway to the World Cup — it's a chance to reassert their growing presence in international T20 cricket. The national team has demonstrated encouraging form in recent tournaments, and with strong fan backing, they'll be aiming for a top-three finish.

Having already featured in two T20 World Cups — their debut in 2014 and the 2024 edition in the USA and West Indies — Nepal now targets a third appearance in 2026, continuing a remarkable journey in global cricket.