Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are buzzing with excitement. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Nepal as the host for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier, set to ignite the Mulpani grounds in Kathmandu from January 12 to February 2, 2026. This 21-day extravaganza will see ten teams battle it out for four coveted spots in the main event, slated for England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026. With a newly expanded 12-team format and iconic venues like Lord’s on the horizon, Nepal’s debut as a global host marks a thrilling chapter in women’s cricket. Dive into the details, teams, and what this means for the sport’s future.
Nepal’s Big Break: Hosting the Qualifier
Nepal steps into the spotlight, hosting its first-ever ICC global event at the Lower and Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadiums. The tournament will feature two groups of five teams each, advancing through a Super Six stage to a grand Final. Five teams are already locked in: Bangladesh and Scotland earned automatic berths from the 2024 T20 World Cup, won by New Zealand in Dubai, while Thailand, Nepal, and the USA qualified via Asia and Americas regional pathways. The remaining five spots—two each from Africa and Europe, and one from East Asia-Pacific—will be filled after ongoing regional qualifiers, promising a fiercely competitive lineup. The full schedule is yet to drop, but anticipation is building fast.
The Road to England and Wales
The Qualifier is the gateway to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, a 24-day spectacle across seven English and Welsh venues—Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, and Bristol County Ground among them. The final showdown at Lord’s on July 5, 2026, will crown the champion of an expanded 12-team field, up from ten in 2024. This growth reflects cricket’s rising global appeal, with 33 matches set to captivate fans. Nepal’s role as a qualifier host could inspire a surge in local talent, especially with the event’s potential to draw 50,000 attendees, per early ICC projections, boosting South Asian cricket’s profile.
A Boost for Nepal
Hosting this event could elevate Nepal’s women’s cricket, with the national team—runners-up in the 2025 Asia Qualifier—gaining exposure. Local interest is already spiking, with social media posts on X reflecting national pride and ticket demand.
Global Impact
The expanded 12-team format, featuring qualifiers like the USA and emerging African nations, diversifies the competition, challenging powerhouses like Australia and England, and could lift global viewership by 20%, per ICC estimates.
Women’s Cricket Surge
With prize money up 30% from 2024 to $2.5 million, this tournament underscores the ICC’s push for gender equity, inspiring young athletes and drawing sponsorships worth $10 million, per industry analysts.
The Competitive Edge
The qualifier’s format—two groups, Super Six, and Final—ensures a grueling test of skill. Bangladesh’s 2024 resurgence and Nepal’s home advantage could see them shine, while the USA’s growing squad adds unpredictability. Africa’s qualifiers, like Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and Europe’s Scotland, bring fresh talent, making every match a potential upset. Fans on X are buzzing about dark horses, with Thailand’s pace attack tipped as a sleeper hit.
A New Era Begins
As of August 1, 2025, Nepal’s hosting of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier is a landmark moment, blending local pride with global ambition. From January 12 to February 2, 2026, ten teams will fight for glory at Mulpani, setting the stage for a 12-team showdown in England and Wales. This event not only promises thrilling cricket but also signals a rising tide for women’s sport worldwide. Mark your calendars—Nepal is ready to make history!
