Nepal is set to host one of the most significant international cricket events in its history — the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. The announcement marks a major milestone not just for Nepalese cricket but for the continued expansion of the women’s game worldwide.
A Landmark Moment for Nepal Cricket
This will be the first time Nepal hosts a global ICC women’s event, signalling growing trust in its cricketing infrastructure and fan support. According to the ICC’s official announcement in July 2025, the tournament will take place in early 2026, with venues and schedules to be confirmed soon.
The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur — which previously hosted ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 matches — is the likely main venue. That tournament in 2023 drew enthusiastic local crowds, and similar support is expected this time around, especially when Nepal’s women’s team takes the field.
Why This Event Matters
The qualifier will decide the final teams entering the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to be played in England. For many Associate nations and lower-ranked Full Members, this is the biggest gateway to the world stage.
Beyond just qualification, the event also aligns with the ICC’s broader goal of taking cricket to emerging markets. Nepal, with its growing youth engagement, recent infrastructure investments, and vibrant cricket culture, represents a region full of untapped potential, particularly in women’s cricket.
Nepal’s Opportunity to Shine at Home
For Nepal, this is more than just a hosting duty — it’s a chance to highlight its commitment to gender-inclusive cricket development. While the Nepal women’s team has yet to reach a global final, playing on home soil under international spotlight could serve as a critical step forward.
Chatur Bahadur Chand, President of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), welcomed the decision:
“Hosting this qualifier is not only an honour for Nepal, but also a clear message that we are ready to take bigger strides in women’s cricket.”
Who’s Expected to Play?
While the final list of participants is yet to be announced, the tournament typically includes:
- Teams that didn’t automatically qualify for the World Cup
- Leading Associate nations from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the East Asia-Pacific region
In past editions, countries like Thailand, Ireland, the UAE, Scotland, and Papua New Guinea have made strong impressions. For many of these teams, the qualifier isn’t just a path to the World Cup — it’s a stage to earn respect and recognition globally.
A Rising Cricket Nation
This event fits within a broader trend of Nepal’s cricket development. Over the last five years, the country has:
- Hosted multiple ICC Men’s Pathway events
- Improved domestic competition structures
- Expanded cricket infrastructure, including stadium upgrades and training facilities
By bringing a women’s global event to South Asia’s foothills, the ICC is reinforcing Nepal’s position as a reliable host and an emerging hub for inclusive cricket.
What Comes Next?
Preparations for the qualifier are expected to begin later this year. This includes:
- Venue upgrades (especially pitches and outfield conditions)
- Security and crowd management plans
- Media and digital broadcasting arrangements
The tournament will also act as a crucial learning opportunity for Nepal’s women cricketers, many of whom have had limited exposure to high-pressure international fixtures. Even if they don’t qualify for the main event, the experience could help shape the next generation of players.
Final Word
This isn’t just another tournament — it’s a powerful signal. Nepal hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier highlights how far the country has come and how serious the ICC is about expanding the women’s game into passionate new territories.
With enthusiastic fans, a proven venue, and growing local talent, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for Nepal cricket — and for the future of women’s cricket in Asia.
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