ICC releases schedule for World Cup 2023 qualifier

The Indian Premier League is over, Asia Cup is just a few months away, and then there is ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, all set to be hosted by the 2011 champions India. Eight teams have made it to the tournament, courtesy of their best performances. It is now time for the remaining ten teams to compete for the final two spots in the international tournament.

ICC has recently released the schedule for the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Ten teams will make an appearance, with Nepal giving its best shot for the very first time. Sri Lanka and two-time winner West Indies are at the 9th and 10th spots. Therefore, they will also be competing in the qualifiers with other teams, including the United States, Ireland, and Scotland.

Sri Lanka and West Indies have a better chance to power through the qualifiers. However, some of the best cricket betting sites are also inclined toward Netherlands and Ireland after both teams showed determination to deliver great upsets in their last international tournament.

It will be hosted by Zimbabwe from June 18, 2023, to July 09, 2023, at Harare and Bulawayo. Four venues have been finalized in both regions. Ten teams are split into Group A and Group B, each having five teams who will first play four matches with others in their own group.

That will be followed by the top three teams advancing to the Super Six League match. Points from the group event will be carried forward to the Super Six stage. The top two teams will then play in the World Cup 2023 in India.

Warm-up matches begin on June 13, 2023. The second set will happen on June 15, 2023. Group matches will see the hosts open against Nepal. Simultaneously, Harare will host West Indies versus the USA at the second venue. The final Group Match will happen on June 27, 2023. Super Six will commence on June 29, 2023, and conclude on July 07, 2023.

Harare will host the final match on the concluding day. Matches will begin at 9:00 Central African time. It is for the first time that DRS will be available right from the Super Six matches.

Geoff Allardice, the Chief Executive of ICC, said that the stakes could not get bigger than this, especially with the final countdown officially beginning with the qualifiers. Geoff has further highlighted that this will be a showcase of the global game since the list has former champions and emerging teams contesting for the final two spots.

Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman, has said that they are looking forward to the contest with high-quality teams participating in this edition. Tavengwa is looking at this as an opportunity to not just host the event but also to demonstrate the warmth of the people of Zimbabwe along with all the tourist attractions.

Group A for ICC 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier has:

• Zimbabwe (hosts)
• West Indies
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• United States

Group B for ICC 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier has:

• Ireland
• Sri Lanka
• Scotland
• United Arab Emirate
• Oman

Teams that have confirmed spots in the tournament are, in order of their ICC ranking:

• New Zealand
• England
• Bangladesh
• India
• Pakistan
• Australia
• Afghanistan
• South Africa

Rankings were last updated by ICC on May 15, 2023, after the 3rd one-day international between Ireland and Bangladesh. Pakistan is in the middle of confirming its participation. This came to light after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup over security reasons. ICC has sought a clear answer from Pakistan’s Cricket board, and a response is awaited.

Fixtures for ICC 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup are as follows: