Europe eagerly awaits action-packed summer of ICC Qualifying events
Italy, Netherland and Scotland will host events from May to August featuring 19 teams from 11 hopeful nations vying for qualification
Infographics detailing the road to qualification for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the U19 Men's Cricket World Cup are available to download from the ICC's Online Media Zone
Europe is gearing up to host four landmark pathway events during a blockbuster summer, with World Cup spots up for grabs across ICC Men's, Women's and U19 pathway events from May to August.
The action-packed schedule begins with the first step on the road to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
The Europe Qualifier Division 2, staged in Rome, Italy, will see the hosts welcome Germany, Isle of Man, Jersey, Spain and Sweden for 15 round-robin matches across Simar and Roma Cricket Grounds in the Italian capital from 25-29 May where the top two teams will advance to the Europe Qualifier.
Hosts Netherlands and Ireland lie in wait at the next stage from 20-27 August, and a double round-robin format will determine the two nations that will progress to the global qualifying event – the final hurdle on the road to England and Wales 2026.
Sandwiched between those two events are key competitions in the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 pathways.
From 5 July, the Netherlands will stage the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier with the ultimate goal of a World Cup spot up for grabs.
Sub-regional victors Italy, Guernsey and Jersey join Scotland, and the hosts, to do battle over the week-long event, and the top two teams in the table come the final fixtures at Voorburg CC on 11 July will earn their places alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket competing in India and Sri Lanka next year.
The penultimate event on the calendar will be the hotly-contested ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup Europe Qualifier in Scotland.
Six teams featuring the most exciting young players in the region will head to Scotland with just a solitary World Cup berth available to the table-topping side.
Denmark, Guernsey, Jersey, Netherlands, Scotland and Sweden will all be hoping to triumph across three venues in Forfarshire and earn their place at the celebrated World Cup event in Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year.
President of Cricket Italy, Lorena Haz Paz, said: "Italy is honoured to be hosting another ICC event after the success of last year's Men's T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier, and in particular a Women's event. I wish the six participating teams the best of luck as they start their journeys towards the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.'
Chief Executive of (KNCB) Lucas Hendrikse, said: 'The KNCB is looking forward to hosting a busy summer of international tournament cricket in 2025. Alongside our CWC League 2 hosting commitments, we are proud to be hosting pinnacle European events for both the Men's and Women's T20 World Cup pathways.
'It is always a pleasure to welcome high-quality teams to the Netherlands, and this summer promises many opportunities to watch live cricket across our fantastic international venues."
Chief Executive of Cricket Scotland, Trudy Lindblade, added: 'Cricket Scotland is thrilled to be hosting the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup Europe Qualifier this summer. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the best young players from across Europe, as they compete to play at next year's showpiece event in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
'Forfarshire, Arbroath, and Strathmore are three of our most historic and picturesque grounds, and we would encourage the Scottish cricketing public and local communities to come along and support the cricketing stars of the future.
'We are grateful to the International Cricket Council for the opportunity to host another major pathway event and we're looking forward to a sunny week of exciting high-quality cricket.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Int'l Cricket Council
7 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Key takeaways from India's Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 squad ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, 2025
Hosts India have announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be staged from September 30 to November 2 on home soil. Here are a few key takeaways from the 15-member unit. Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud Leadership at the fore India will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, who takes charge in her first 50-over World Cup as captain. The experienced batter brings both energy and big-match temperament, having guided India through several crucial campaigns in the past, including her scintillating unbeaten 171 against Australia in the semi-finals of the 2017 edition. Smriti Mandhana, appointed vice-captain, adds a steadying influence with her batting consistency, ensuring India's think-tank is in strong hands. With a combined experience of playing in over 250 ODIs, the duo will be aiming to go all guns blazing to try and lift the coveted trophy at home. A blend of experience and youth The 15-member squad strikes a careful balance between seasoned campaigners and exciting fresh talent. Stalwarts such as Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma provide stability, while youngsters like Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani signal India's investment in the next generation. This combination not only strengthens India's chances in 2025 but also lays the foundation for the years ahead. Rawal, who made her debut in December 2024, boasts a stunning 703 runs from just 14 innings at a stunning 54.07 average at the top. Gaud, meanwhile, shone in the England ODI series, grabbing a crucial six-for in the final ODI as India went on to claim the series honours. Notable omissions The biggest talking point is the absence of Shafali Verma, whose aggressive batting at the top has often provided India with flying starts. Despite her flair, inconsistent returns meant she was overlooked for the World Cup squad, sparking plenty of discussion. The 21-year-old was part of the T20I leg of the recently-concluded series against England, where she returned 176 runs from five innings, and ended as the second highest run getter of the five-match tour. Despite her good form, she was dropped for the 50-over-leg with India opting for Rawal and Mandhana as openers. Wicket-keeping and spin depth India have opted for dual wicket-keeping options in Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia, giving the side flexibility in selection and batting order. On spin-friendly home surfaces, the team boasts a rich variety with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav and newcomer Sree Charani all included. Their presence ensures India will be well-equipped to exploit conditions in the subcontinent, which favours turn on the surface. New comer Shree Charani, who made her debut in April this year in the Sri Lanka tri-series, has also been impressive with the ball, returning nine wickets from eight matches with her left-arm spin. Tactical balance and form Several new faces in the squad have impressed in domestic cricket and the Women's Premier League, making strong cases for selection. Pratika Rawal and Kranti Gaud, in particular, bring energy and momentum after standout performances in recent months. At the same time, the form of senior players like Mandhana - now the fastest Indian woman to 4,000 ODI runs - gives India a reliable core to build around. On the other hand, skipper Harmanpreet, who smashed a brilliant hundred in the final ODI against England also heads into the marquee ICC event on the back of good returns over the last few months. The top order featuring Mandhana, Rawal and Deol appears solid, while the middle-order firepower of Rodrigues, Kaur, Ghosh and Amanjot has the firepower to provide India with the spark it needs. The 2025 Women's World Cup, scheduled from September 30 to November 2 with India opening against Sri Lanka after an ODI series at home against Australia. Eight years after their heartbreaking near-miss in the 2017 final at Lord's, India now have the chance to script history at home.
Int'l Cricket Council
7 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Harmanpreet Kaur aims for maiden World Cup triumph on home soil ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, 2025
Harmanpreet Kaur gears up for her fifth ICC Women's Cricket World Cup as looks forward to what is a very important next few months for her and her side. 'Personally, this tournament is very important for me. This is a home World Cup. Home World Cups are special for every player. I have a lot of experience batting at No.4, I am just looking to contribute to the team,' said Harmanpreet Kaur, who will captain India for the first time in the marquee tournament. 'We are really excited for the World Cup. We are having training camps. We are preparing ourselves mentally and physically.' A notable omission for India is Shafali Verma who also missed out on a spot in the recent ODI series against England. The opener had returned to the T20I side in the same series and was a part of the India 'A' side against Australia 'A'. However, the selectors have opted for stability as the team heads into this all-important tournament. 'She is playing for India 'A' in Australia. She is a part of the system. We are keeping an eye out for her. The more she plays, the more experience she will gain for the future." Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues | ICC Countdown to World Cup Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues | ICC Countdown to World Cup 'Our team did well in England. We have been working on this squad for a long time now. I think the team we have picked is the best, so we don't want to play around with the team ahead of the World Cup. We just want Shafali to keep playing and gain some experience,' India have finished as runners-up twice, in 2005 and 2017, but are yet to claim the title. However, Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side has played enough cricket together and possess everything needed to finally go all the way. "The same team played in England series and we have been playing together for a long time now. Team looks quite balanced to me and hopefully, in both - Australia series and the World Cup, we will play our best cricket."
Int'l Cricket Council
9 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Hosts India reveal squad for Women's World Cup 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, 2025
Harmanpreet Kaur is set to lead India for the first time in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy, as the hosts finalised a solid 15-member squad for the 2025 edition commencing on September 30. India squad for World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud. More to follow...
