ICC moves to revive Global Qualifier for Associates

The ICC is preparing to reinstate a global qualifying tournament for Associate nations, a key outcome of Saturday’s meetings in Ahmedabad. The proposal, aimed at future men’s T20 World Cups, is expected to receive formal approval when the ICC Board reconvenes on Sunday, though it is unclear whether further ratification will be required at July’s Annual Conference in Edinburgh. The move reflects a surge in audience interest: once eight times lower than Full‑Member viewership, Associate matches now trail by only a factor of 1.5, excluding India fixtures.

A centralised qualifier last existed in 2019, when the Netherlands won in the UAE, before the system shifted to regional pathways. Recent editions have allocated eight Associate berths across five regions, with teams such as Canada, Italy, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nepal, UAE and Oman progressing. Logistical challenges remain, as some qualifiers for the 2028 T20 World Cup have already begun, but momentum behind the revival appears strong.