ICC announces schedule for East Asia-Pacific and Asia World Cup Qualifiers

The action starts with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier, which will take place from 9-15 September, staged in Suva, Fiji. The hosts will welcome Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Japan, Samoa, Cook Islands and the Philippines.

Teams will be split into two groups of four each before the semi-final and final, where the winning team will qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. The event will be the first time that the Philippines have played in an ICC Women’s Pathway Event.

Chief Executive of Cricket Fiji, Sitiveni Rokoro, said: "We are proud to host our first ICC Women’s pathway event here in Suva, Fiji. This marks a major achievement for us, not only as our inaugural women’s event at this level, but also as the largest ICC Qualifier ever held in the East Asia-Pacific region, with the participation of eight nations.”

“We are especially excited to welcome all participating teams and extend a warm “Bula vinaka” to each one of them.

“A special acknowledgment goes to the Philippines women’s team, who will be making their debut in an ICC pathway event. This tournament stands as a testament to the growth, inclusivity and regional collaboration that continues to drive the advancement of women’s cricket across the East Asia-Pacific.

“We are deeply grateful to the ICC and the EAP Regional Team for their continued support and commitment in helping us bring this event to life.”

From 8 October, Oman will stage the combined ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier with the ultimate goal of three World Cup spots up for grabs. Sub-regional qualifiers from 2024 Kuwait, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Japan and Samoa will join Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and the hosts, to do battle over the 10-day event.

The tournament will take place in two stages: a Group Stage from 8-10 October, followed by a Super Six Stage from 12-17 October. Teams are split into three groups of three, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage. At the end of the Super Six, the top three teams will earn their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket competing in India and Sri Lanka next year.

Alkesh Joshi, Oman Cricket Treasurer said: “As a board, we are fully committed to providing our players with world-class preparation platforms. We also want this tournament to be a celebration for fans, that’s why entry to all matches at Amerat will be free. We invite the community to turn out in their numbers and cheer for the team.

“We sincerely thank the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their unwavering support in Oman’s cricketing journey. Hosting major ICC events elevates Oman’s status in the global sporting arena.

“This tournament is a celebration of associate cricket. Hosting it in Oman proves we are not just participants but contributors to the growth of global cricket.”

2025 Match Schedules:

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier

Tuesday 9 September

Fiji v Cook Islands (AM)

PNG v Japan (AM)

Indonesia v Vanuatu (PM)

Samoa v Philippines (PM)

Wednesday 10 September

Japan v Samoa (AM)

Fiji v Indonesia (AM)

PNG v Philippines (PM)

Cook Islands v Vanuatu (PM)

Friday 12 September

Cook Islands v Indonesia (AM)

Philippines v Japan (AM)

Fiji v Vanuatu (PM)

Samoa v PNG (PM)

Saturday 13 September

A3 v B4 (SF3) (9:00AM*)

B3 v A4 (SF4) (9:00AM*)

A1 v B2 (SF1) (PM)

B1 v A2 (SF2) (PM)

Monday 15 September

Winner SF3 v Winner SF4 (AM)

Loser SF3 v Loser SF4 (AM)

Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (PM)

Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 (PM)

All matches will be live on ICC.tv and take place at Albert Park, Suva, starting at 9:30 (AM) and 1:30 (PM) local time.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier

Group 1 – UAE, Malaysia, Qatar

Group 2 – Nepal, Kuwait, Japan

Group 3 – Oman, Papua New Guinea, Samoa

Wednesday, 8 October

Oman v Samoa 10:00AM

UAE v Qatar 2:30PM

Nepal v Kuwait 7:00PM

Thursday, 9 October

Malaysia v Qatar 10:00AM

Kuwait v Japan 2:30PM

PNG v Samoa 7:00PM

Friday, 10 October

UAE v Malaysia 10:00AM

Nepal v Japan 2:30PM

Oman V PNG 7:00PM

Super Six Stage

Sunday, 12 October

G3Q1 v G1Q2 10:00AM

G1Q1 V G2Q1 2:30PM

G3Q2 v G2Q2 7:00PM

Monday, 13 October

G3Q1 v G1Q1 2:30PM

G2Q1 v G1Q2 7:00PM

Wednesday, 15 October

G2Q2 v G1Q2 10:00AM

G3Q2 v G1Q1 2:30PM

G3Q1 V G2Q1 7:00PM

Thursday, 16 October

G1Q1 V G2Q2 2:30PM

G1Q2 v G3Q2 7:00PM

Friday, 17 October

G2Q2v G3Q1 10:00AM

G3Q2 v G2Q1 2:30PM

All matches will be live on ICC.tv and take place at the Oman Cricket Academy in Al Amerat.