Cricket fans in the East Asia Pacific, EAP region are in for a treat in 2024, with a packed schedule of four ICC Pathway Events featuring all nine EAP members. These events serve as crucial qualifiers for the respective Senior Men’s, U19 Women’s, and U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups.
The action kicks off in Bali, Indonesia, where the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier takes place from May 14th to 20th. Defending champions Indonesia, who made history by qualifying for their first-ever ICC event in 2022, will be joined by Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa in their quest to repeat the feat. Indonesian captain Wesika Ratna Dewi expressed her team’s excitement and determination to perform well.
Samoa takes center stage in August, hosting two events: the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 Qualifier (August 6-10) and the Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier A (August 17-24). Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the host nation will battle it out in the U19 competition, while Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu will vie for a spot in the Men’s T20 Qualifier B. Samoa Cricket General Manager Sala Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau expects these events to inspire the Samoan cricketing community.
South Korea, marking the 10th anniversary of cricket’s inclusion in the 2014 Asian Games, will host the Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B from September 28th to October 5th. Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, and South Korea will compete for a chance to progress further. Kim Nam Ghi, Chairman of the Korea Cricket Association, emphasized the importance of the tournament for fostering junior cricket development in the country.
“Hosting a prestigious event like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B signifies a monumental milestone for Korea Cricket Association and cricket development in Korea.
“Beyond the excitement of international cricket returning to our shores, this tournament holds immense significance for us in terms of junior development and nurturing the dreams of aspiring athletes.
“Being part of this event not only provides a platform for our players to showcase their talent on a global stage but also inspires them towards higher goals, including the dream of participating in future Olympic events.”
ICC Regional Development Manager Rob Gomm described 2024 as a pivotal year for EAP cricket, offering all members a chance to progress towards the pinnacle of the sport. With a diverse range of teams and exciting matchups on the horizon, the EAP region promises a thrilling year of cricket.
“2024 is shaping up to be a huge year in cricket for the EAP Region. All Associate Members have a chance to take the next step in ICC World Cup qualification and bring pride to their fans back home. I want to wish all the hosts the very best with their preparations. The eyes of the cricketing world will be on us, and I am confident we will deliver four world-class events.”
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