Cricket fans, this is something you need to be aware of! While the world prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales in 2026, there is also a tournament coming sooner, perhaps in a location you least expect! In a major boost for women’s cricket, Nepal will play host to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier this January. Yes, you heard correctly, Kathmandu not only offers snow-capped mountains and monasteries from now on, but it will all offer yorkers, boundaries, and a shot at the ICC World Cup!
Nepal’s Cricketing Leap: Why This Host Nation Matters
Let’s pause and think about what that means for Nepal. This is not just a logistics thing; this is a monumental moment for a country that is trying to climb the ladder in cricket. The women’s team reached the Qualifier through the Asia regional process, and not only will they play not just to qualify, but to qualify at home! To be able to have that home qualification pressure is awesome. It provides home support for the local team, it gives them international exposure – but it also might inspire the next generation of young Nepali girls to dream about how far they can hit a ball, or how good their bowling might be holding a bat in their hand, or how great they will look flying past a fielder in the cover area.
And it’s not just about Nepal, it’s about decentralizing cricket. From the very beginning of the planning process, the move to hold the event outside traditional cricketing nations shows that if a country doesn’t seem like a traditional ‘cricketing nation’, but is still invited to host the SSC Qualifier, it’s evident the ICC is trying to globalize the game. This is a major milestone for a fledgling cricketing nation that is still finding its feet on the global stage.
The Qualifier Format: A Tightrope to the Big League
You might be asking, What is the format? It won’t be easy! Ten teams – two Groups – Super Six, and only four golden tickets to the World Cup in England! It’s as exciting as it sounds. Bangladesh and Scotland are qualified based on their attendance in the 2024 version; Nepal and Thailand from Asia; the USA from the Americas. And the other five? The other five will come from Regional Qualifiers in Africa, Europe, and East Asia-Pacific!
What this means is we have a true diversity of nations, all with different cricketing cultures, styles, and stories. A melting pot of passion, pressure, and potentially. Nepal will be the melting pot.
England Awaits: A Glimpse Beyond the Qualifier
While everyone should be anticipating Nepal this January, we can’t overlook what is at stake — the big dance in England and Wales. The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be 24 days long, with 33 matches played at iconic venues such as Old Trafford, Headingley, and Lord’s for the grand finale. This is not simply about qualifying to make up the numbers. For many teams, it may be their first time at a global showpiece, in front of crowds and televised for millions around the world.
In the fast-growing sport for women, qualifications are not just a warm-up or even a one-off opportunity. The journey to Lord’s, from Pokhara or Kathmandu, is a story in its own right.
To catch up on the most current news on all of your favorite thrilling cricket updates, visit Six6slive to access our comprehensive Latest News, insightful analysis, and updates. Connect with the action now to make sure you never miss out!