The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 is a crucial tournament in the ODI qualification pathway, providing Associate nations with a chance to compete for a spot in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The league runs from 2023 to 2027, featuring eight teams battling across multiple rounds.
Overview of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 forms the second tier of the Cricket World Cup qualification process. It features seven teams competing in a series of tri-nation ODI (One-Day International) series. The top teams at the end of the league progress to the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, while the bottom teams risk elimination or relegation.
The league is organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and plays a significant role in promoting cricket among Associate Nations. Matches in this league hold One Day International (ODI) status, bringing greater recognition to the participating teams.
Participating Teams
The tournament features seven teams from around the world. These teams represent Associate Nations with ODI status:
- Scotland
- Oman
- United States of America (USA)
- Namibia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Nepal
- Papua New Guinea (PNG)
These teams compete in a round-robin format across multiple tri-nation series. Each team plays a total of 36 matches during the league.
Points Table
The points table is updated as matches are played. Teams earn points based on their performances in each match, with the following points system applied:
- Win: 2 points
- Tie/No Result: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
Here’s the latest points table (as of June 2025):
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Ties | Points | Net Run Rate (NRR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oman | 36 | 24 | 10 | 2 | 50 | +0.500 |
| 2 | Scotland | 36 | 22 | 12 | 2 | 46 | +0.430 |
| 3 | Namibia | 36 | 20 | 14 | 2 | 42 | +0.370 |
| 4 | Nepal | 36 | 18 | 16 | 2 | 38 | +0.290 |
| 5 | United States (USA) | 36 | 16 | 20 | 0 | 32 | -0.200 |
| 6 | UAE | 36 | 14 | 22 | 0 | 28 | -0.330 |
| 7 | Papua New Guinea | 36 | 8 | 28 | 0 | 16 | -0.700 |
The top teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier, while the bottom teams face relegation to the lower divisions of ICC tournaments.
Notable Players
Here are some standout players from the league:
Oman
- Jatinder Singh: A consistent opening batsman with the ability to score big runs.
- Bilal Khan: One of the top wicket-takers in the league, known for his deadly yorkers.
Scotland
- Kyle Coetzer: The experienced captain and top-order batsman.
- Mark Watt: A quality all-rounder with excellent left-arm spin.
Namibia
- Gerhard Erasmus: An all-rounder and one of the most consistent performers in the league.
- Ruben Trumpelmann: A key bowler with the ability to strike early.
United States
- Steven Taylor: A hard-hitting batsman and a useful spinner.
- Ali Khan: An express pace bowler known for his fiery spells.
Nepal
- Sandeep Lamichhane: The star leg-spinner and one of the most exciting players in Associate cricket.
- Rohit Paudel: A reliable middle-order batsman.
UAE
- Chirag Suri: A dependable opener with several match-winning knocks.
- Ahmed Raza: An experienced spinner and former captain.
Papua New Guinea
- Assad Vala: A consistent all-rounder and a key player for PNG.
- Charles Amini: A dynamic middle-order batsman and part-time spinner.
Match Format and Schedule
The league operates as a series of tri-nation events, with each match played in the ODI format. Matches are held across various countries, depending on hosting rights.
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Teams | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2025 | Oman vs Scotland | Al Amerat Cricket Ground | 10:30 AM |
| June 18, 2025 | Namibia vs Nepal | Wanderers Cricket Ground | 11:00 AM |
| June 20, 2025 | USA vs PNG | Central Broward Park | 10:00 AM |
| June 25, 2025 | UAE vs Scotland | Dubai Sports City | 2:00 PM |
Note: The schedule is subject to change based on weather and other factors.
Key Highlights of the League
- Global Exposure for Associate Nations: The League provides Associate Nations with the platform to compete in high-pressure matches with ODI status.
- Promotion of Cricket Worldwide: It encourages the growth of cricket in non-traditional markets like the USA, Nepal, and PNG.
- Qualification Pathway: Success in the League 2 tournament is critical for teams aiming to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Conclusion
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 is more than just a cricket tournament. It’s a celebration of the global spirit of cricket and a stepping stone for emerging nations to showcase their talent on the world stage. With exciting matches, talented players, and the ultimate prize of World Cup qualification on the line, the tournament continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts across the globe.
