ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League Groups Unveiled

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the groupings for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League, a crucial step on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

The Challenge League, which is set to commence later this year, will see twelve teams divided into two groups. The teams will compete in three round-robin series from 2024 to 2026, with the winners and runners-up from each group advancing to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff.

Challenge League A will feature Denmark, Jersey, Kenya, Kuwait, Papua New Guinea, and Qatar, while Challenge League B will consist of Bahrain, Hong Kong China, Italy, Singapore, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Eight teams earned their spots in the Challenge League based on their performance in the previous qualification pathway. Bahrain, Italy, Kuwait, and Tanzania secured their places through the recently concluded Challenge League Playoff held in Malaysia.

The fixture schedule for the Challenge League is yet to be confirmed. However, the round-robin series will determine the teams that will continue their qualification journey, meeting the bottom four teams from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff.

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley, said:

“The Challenge League represents an important stage in qualification through to the 14-team ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027. This competition provides a competitive platform for high-performing emerging nations to stake a claim for World Cup qualification. With more teams able to progress in this upcoming cycle, teams will be hungrier than ever to make it all the way to the landmark global event.”

“I wish all the teams the best of luck as they continue their journey towards the ultimate prize in men’s ODI cricket, and I’m sure it will continue to unveil some exceptionally talented players along the way.”