Record 30 teams for World T20 European sub-regional qualifiers

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers will feature a record 30 countries in three tournaments taking place between June and August. The qualifiers will take place in Italy, Germany and Guernsey, a British protectorate.

During the same period, qualification for the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 will be up for grabs as Scotland and Netherlands do battle in August, whilst eight countries will compete in the U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier in Denmark on the road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, said the International Cricket Council (ICC) through a statement.

“In a clear sign of the growth and expansion of cricket into new territories, Germany and Italy feature as first-time hosts in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification pathway. Both countries impressed at the recent Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Final, and are relishing the opportunity to deepen the connection with local fans and players by competing in an ICC tournament on home soil,” said the ICC in a statement.

The president of the German Cricket Board said the tournament will be an opportunity for the sport to grow in Germany.

“We are looking forward to hosting our first international tournament in July in Krefeld and Gelsenkirchen, which will bring new popularity and awareness to the sport in Germany,” said Severin Weiss, President of the Deutscher Cricket Bund.

“The recent landmark decision by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) in Germany to accept the German Cricket Association as its 100th member alongside the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics in 2028 will see a major upswing in participation and awareness of the sport in Germany. Hosting this event in 2024 will be a great opportunity for us to showcase to Europe and the world what German cricket has to offer.”

The Italian cricket federation president said that his association will try to make the tournament the best possible for the visitors.

“It is with extreme pleasure that we acknowledge that our bid to host the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier has been successful,” said Fabio Marabini, President of Federazione Cricket Italiana.

“The event will take place in two of the best grounds in Italy located in Rome and Aprilia. Cricket Italy will make sure that the tournament is a great sporting event for all the participating countries. We are looking forward to hosting athletes, coaches and team staff from our European neighbours in Italy next summer.”

The 2024 schedule of events as per ICC

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier A

Host: Italy

Dates: 9-16 June, 2024

Participating Teams; Italy, Portugal, Isle of Man, Austria, France, Romania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Turkiye, Israel

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier B

Host: Germany

Dates: 7-14 July 2024

Participating Teams; Jersey, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Serbia, Gibraltar, Croatia, Slovenia

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier C

Host: Guernsey

Dates: 21-28 August 2024

Participating Teams; Spain, Guernsey, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Estonia

ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier

Host: Denmark

Dates: 24-30 July 2024

Participating Teams; Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Isle of Man, Denmark, Sweden, France, Belgium

ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier

Host: Scotland

Dates: 1-4 August 2024

Participating Teams; Scotland, Netherlands

Cricket, Europe, ICC, T20, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Deutscher Cricket Bund, Federazione Cricket Italiana