Unveiling the Cricket World Cup League 2: A Pathway to 2027
Shifting Gears: From Seven to Eight Teams
Run through a similar format to the inaugural edition from 2019 to 2023, the competition moves from a seven-team format to an eight-team competition, via 24 tri-series of six matches each in a total of 144 ODIs.
Live Action on ICC.tv
All matches in the Cricket World Cup League 2 pathway will be available live and free to view on ICC.tv (in select regions).
Road to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier
Nepal’s Triumph:
Nepal recently secured victory against UAE, sealing their spot in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The journey now continues for them in the League 2.
Automatic Spots:
Automatic spots for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier are up for grabs via a top four finish in League 2, a minimum goal for all eight teams looking to succeed in a World Cup run.
Added Jeopardy:
A bottom four finish in League 2 does not eliminate teams from Cricket World Cup qualification, though it does mean the added jeopardy of taking part in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off.
The League Dynamics
Familiar Faces and New Entrants
Six teams return to League 2 after featuring in the last edition, with two new teams entering the fray. Led by wicket-keeper batter Scott Edwards, Cricket World Cup 2023 head-turners Netherlands carry the early favourites tag coming down, while Canada were promoted to the competition after finishing above Jersey and Papua New Guinea in the Qualifier Play-off early last year.
Intense Rivalries and Redemption
Associate international cricket is not short of storylines, with the Dutch potentially coming back to haunt defending League 2 champions Scotland. It was the Scots who had their potential Cricket World Cup 2023 place by the Dutch on Net Run Rate, with Bas de Leede’s starring individual performance fresh in the memory. The Scots will be in the mix for the top four and tournament honours again, with Zeeshan Maqsood’s Oman looking to go one better from their second-place in the last cycle.
The Opening Tri-Series
Hosts: Nepal
Nepal hosts the first tri-series of League 2, welcoming Netherlands and Namibia. With a strong preparation series win over Canada, Nepal is geared up for the challenges ahead, both at home and in future fixtures.
Namibia’s Quest for Redemption
Namibia will be looking for a revenge of sorts in their meetings with Nepal, as it was Nepal’s historic ODI run that curtailed Gerhard Erasmus’ men to the Play-off competition in the last cycle.
USA’s Return
The USA returns after finishing fifth in the last League 2 cycle, while the UAE held onto their spot in the competition despite running in second-last.
Action Unfolds
The cricketing action is set to unfold across various venues, promising intense battles, unforeseen upsets, and thrilling performances as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Cricket World Cup.
Conclusion
As the tournament kicks off with fervor, the stakes are high, and the teams are prepared to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory. With every match carrying immense significance, the Cricket World Cup League 2 promises to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, drama, and cricketing excellence.