Nepal to Host ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off: Full Schedule and Fixtures

Nepal is set to host a major international cricket tournament as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the country as the host of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off, scheduled to take place from December 4 to 21.

Eight teams will compete in the 18-day tournament, aiming to secure one of the four remaining places in the 10-team Global Qualifier for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

Hosts Nepal will begin their campaign against Italy on the opening day at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Meanwhile, Namibia will face Uganda at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.

The tournament represents a crucial opportunity for Nepal and other participating nations to move one step closer to competing in the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Nepal to Host Eight Nations in World Cup Qualifier Play-off

The ICC has confirmed eight participating teams for the Qualifier Play-off in Nepal. Alongside the hosts, Namibia, Uganda, Italy, Canada, Kuwait, Jersey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will compete for the remaining four Global Qualifier positions.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format, giving each team an opportunity to compete against the other participating nations.

The top four teams at the end of the competition will advance to the 10-team Global Qualifier, joining six teams that have already secured their places.

Playing on home soil will give Nepal an opportunity to showcase its cricketing progress in front of local supporters while competing against some of the strongest associate cricket nations.

Nepal vs Italy to Open the Tournament on December 4

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off will begin on December 4 with two matches scheduled at different venues.

Nepal will take on Italy at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, while Namibia will face Uganda at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.

The opening matches will mark the beginning of an important qualification battle, with all eight teams hoping to make a strong start.

Nepal's opening fixture against Italy will be particularly important as the hosts look to build momentum early in the competition.

Eight Teams Competing for Four Global Qualifier Spots

The eight participating teams in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off are:

1. Nepal

2. Namibia

3. Uganda

4. Italy

5. Canada

6. Kuwait

7. Jersey

8. United Arab Emirates

All eight teams will compete in the round-robin stage, with the top four advancing to the Global Qualifier.

For the participating associate nations, the competition provides an important opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on the international stage and strengthen their chances of reaching the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Six Teams Already Qualified for the Global Qualifier

Six teams have already secured their places in the 10-team ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Global Qualifier.

The qualified teams are:

• West Indies

• Ireland

• United States of America (USA)

• Scotland

• Netherlands

• Oman

West Indies and Ireland qualified as the highest-ranked teams outside the sides that automatically qualified for the 2027 World Cup, excluding full-member co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, USA, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman secured direct qualification after finishing among the top four teams in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 standings.

The remaining four positions will be decided through the Qualifier Play-off in Nepal.

How Will Teams Qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027?

The Qualifier Play-off in Nepal is an important stage in the qualification pathway for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

The four successful teams will join West Indies, Ireland, USA, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman in the 10-team Global Qualifier.

The Global Qualifier will then determine the remaining qualification positions for the 2027 World Cup.

According to the announced qualification format, the team finishing first in the Global Qualifier will secure direct entry into the World Cup group stage. Teams finishing second, third and fourth will advance to the newly introduced Super Series.

As a result, the tournament in Nepal will be crucial for all eight participating nations as they attempt to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

ICC Highlights Importance of Qualifier Play-off

Gaurav Saxena, ICC General Manager – Events and Operations, described the Qualifier Play-off as a crucial stage in the pathway towards the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

He highlighted the importance of associate cricket in the continued growth and global development of the sport.

According to Saxena, competitions such as the Qualifier Play-off provide emerging cricket nations with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent, gain international experience and improve their standards.

He also expressed confidence that the participating teams would deliver exciting and competitive cricket throughout the tournament.

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off: Full Fixtures

The tournament will run from December 4 to 21, with matches scheduled at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground and Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.

Here is the complete fixture list announced for the competition.

December 4

• Nepal vs Italy – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Namibia vs Uganda – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 5

• UAE vs Jersey – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Kuwait vs Canada – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 6

• Nepal vs Uganda – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Italy vs Namibia – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 7

• Kuwait vs Jersey – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Canada vs UAE – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 9

• Canada vs Italy – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Jersey vs Uganda – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 10

• Nepal vs UAE – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Kuwait vs Namibia – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 12

• Nepal vs Jersey – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Namibia vs Canada – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 13

• Uganda vs Kuwait – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• UAE vs Italy – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 14

• Nepal vs Canada – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Jersey vs Namibia – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 15

• Uganda vs Italy – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• UAE vs Kuwait – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 17

• Italy vs Kuwait – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Jersey vs Canada – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 18

• Nepal vs Namibia – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Uganda vs UAE – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 20

• Namibia vs UAE – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Italy vs Jersey – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

December 21

• Nepal vs Kuwait – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground

• Canada vs Uganda – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027: Hosts, Dates and Format

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 2 to November 21, 2027, featuring 14 teams and 57 matches across 12 venues.

With the Qualifier Play-off taking place in Nepal, the competition will play an important role in determining which additional nations get the opportunity to compete at cricket's biggest 50-over tournament.

Nepal's Opportunity to Make History

Hosting the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off is a significant occasion for Nepal cricket.

The tournament will bring eight international teams together for an important qualification battle, with four Global Qualifier positions available.

Nepal will have the advantage of playing in familiar conditions and in front of home supporters. However, competition from Namibia, Uganda, Canada, Italy, Kuwait, Jersey and the UAE will make the road to qualification challenging.

For Nepal and the other participating teams, the objective is clear: finish among the top four and take another step towards the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

With the tournament scheduled from December 4 to 21, cricket supporters will be looking forward to an exciting qualification campaign in Nepal.