South Korea to Host First ICC Event in 2024: Pathway Events Schedule Announced
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the 2024 Pathway events, with all nine East Asia-Pacific (EAP) members participating in at least one event.
Four EAP ICC Pathway Events will take place throughout the year, featuring Senior Men’s, U19 Women’s, and U19 Men’s World Cups in their respective formats.
The action kicks off in May 2024 in Bali, Indonesia, which will host the second ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier. Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa will join the hosts in this four-team event. The inaugural event was also held in Bali in 2022, where Indonesia qualified for their first-ever ICC event.
The Indonesian team, which made a significant impression at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, even managed a historic win over Zimbabwe.
With the guidance of New Zealand’s Frankie Mackay, the confident Indonesian team is ready for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Wesika Ratna Dewi, the Indonesian skipper in the inaugural tournament, expressed her excitement and wishes for the upcoming event,
“I feel proud whenever I represent my country and I know how it feels to win this qualifier and go to an ICC World Cup. It is difficult to achieve success at this level and it is important not to waste the opportunities we are given. The Indonesian coaching staff and team are well prepared for this event, and I am excited to see the next generation play. I wish all teams much success and look forward to seeing top-level cricket at my home in Bali.”
The action will then shift to Samoa, which will host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 Qualifier, followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier A in August. This provides Samoa with an excellent opportunity to showcase its talent to the world.
Sala Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau, the General Manager of Samoa Cricket, believes the tournaments will foster community unity,
“Hosting two international cricket tournaments in Samoa not only shows the nation’s commitment to sporting excellence but also provides growth opportunities for both Samoa as a country and Samoa Cricket as a sports organisation. These tournaments serve as a motivating force and inspiration in fostering community unity through more people participating in cricket, increased fans and commercial partners, promoting tourism, and empowering our youth with invaluable cricket skills, cultural experiences, and friendship.”
Later, on the 10th Anniversary of cricket’s inclusion in the 2014 Asian Games, held in Incheon, South Korea, the Asian nation will host their first-ever ICC event. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B will see participation from Indonesia, Japan, Phillipines and South Korea.
Kim Nam Ghi, Chairman of Korea Cricket Association, stated that the tournament held immense significance for junior cricket development,
“Hosting a prestigious event like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B signifies a monumental milestone for Korea Cricket Association and cricket development in Korea. Beyond the excitement of international cricket returning to our shores, this tournament holds immense significance for us in terms of junior development and nurturing the dreams of aspiring athletes. Being part of this event not only provides a platform for our players to showcase their talent on a global stage but also inspires them towards higher goals, including the dream of participating in future Olympic events.”
Rob Gomm, ICC Regional Development Manager – EAP, also highlighted 2024 as a significant year in cricket for the EAP region, providing an opportunity for all EAP members to qualify for the ICC global tournaments,
“2024 is shaping up to be a huge year in cricket for the EAP Region. All Associate Members have a chance to take the next step in ICC World Cup qualification and bring pride to their fans back home. I want to wish all the hosts the very best with their preparations. The eyes of the cricketing world will be on us, and I am confident we will deliver four world-class events.”
Schedule of 2024 Events:
- ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier
- ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 Qualifier
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier A
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B