In an important development, South Korea has been chosen to host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Sub-Regional Qualifier B. This tournament will take place from September 28 to October 5, 2024, at the Yeonhui Cricket Ground, marking one of the largest events cricket has ever hosted in this part of the world.
The double round-robin format of this event will have four teams: South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This is the allotted slot for the winner, and they shall join Samoa from Sub-Regional Qualifier A and team up with Papua New Guinea, Nepal, and Oman in the final stage of regional qualification in the EAP Qualifier. The tournament would be a massive opportunity for the rising cricketing nations in East Asia to exhibit their talent on a bigger international stage. More so, hosting the tournament by South Korea would also reflect more investment in the game from the country.
Competing Teams and Format of the Tournament
The four teams participating in the tournament are; South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It ensures that all the teams in the format meet strong opposition since it will be through consistency that the side gets the top spot and the golden ticket of qualification to the next round.
The Road to the T20 World Cup
The champion of Sub-Regional Qualifier B advances to the EAP Qualifier, where they face off against the champion of Sub-Regional Qualifier A, along with more experienced cricketing nations such as Papua New Guinea, Nepal, and Oman. Who will ultimately secure their places in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup?
‘Growing the Game’ in East Asia
After significant internal struggles, hosting the Sub-Regional Qualifier represents a landmark achievement for Korea Cricket and stands as a testament to developing cricket within the nation. South Korea has slowly been building up its cricketing infrastructure, and an event of this stature will further popularize the game with the inclusion of a top-flight team from each of the East Asian nations. The tournament will also help to build up the profile of cricket in East Asia, encouraging higher participation levels and investment in the sport. Yeonhui Cricket Ground, with good facilities and a world-class setting, is expected to be filled up with fans in the region. Another occasion to celebrate the growth of the sport in East Asia is on the cards—an event with thrilling cricket.
As the clock races ahead to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B in South Korea serves up a grand chance along the pathway to the global event. To the teams participating, therefore, this represents a chance to inscribe their name in history and take that giant stride towards cricket’s biggest platform.
