Cricket World Cup League 2

The launch of League 2 in Kathmandu heralds the beginning of the 2027 World Cup Qualifying phase

The second installment of the Cricket World Cup League 2, ICC’s premier Associate ODI competition, commences on February 15 in Kathmandu.

The inaugural match of the league will witness hosts Nepal locking horns with Namibia in the opening encounter of their first trilateral series of the cycle, also featuring the returning Netherlands.

This six-match series marks the onset of the 24 such tours scheduled over the three-year competition period.

Notably, the league now accommodates eight teams, including defending champions Scotland, alongside Oman, the USA, the UAE, and newly-promoted Canada.

The latter’s ascent, earned through commendable performances in the CWC Challenge League and the subsequent 2023 World Cup Qualifier Playoff, has expanded the league’s roster.

The Netherlands’ reentry into Associate one-day competition, following the discontinuation of the CWC Super League, has bolstered the League 2 lineup.

However, the adjusted format will see each team missing out on a set of fixtures against one opponent at home, one away, and one on neutral ground, disrupting the prior schedule’s symmetry.

Despite this tweak, League 2 retains its essence, fostering a competitive environment for Associate nations while serving as a crucial pathway for the 2027 World Cup.

The top four teams from the league secure direct entry to the World Cup Qualifier, vying for four coveted spots at the pinnacle event.

Conversely, the bottom four teams face a second chance via the Qualifier Playoff, competing against the top four teams from the CWC Challenge Leagues.

As the league unfolds, teams will strive to maintain their standing to evade relegation and retain ODI status, with only the bottom two finishers at risk.

However, given the potential influx of additional teams, the relegation scenario remains fluid.

Amidst these stakes, Nepal enters the competition with a strong home advantage, boasting recent successes and a talented squad led by Rohit Kumar Paudel.

The Netherlands, despite their relegation, presents a formidable challenge, led by Scott Edwards and seasoned campaigners.

Namibia, rejuvenated after a hiatus, is poised to showcase its prowess under the leadership of Gerhard Erasmus.

The TU ground, known for its batting-friendly conditions and spinner-friendly surfaces, sets the stage for intriguing encounters.

With squads finalized and conditions conducive, the stage is set for an enthralling start to the Cricket World Cup League 2 journey.