Kathmandu, May 7

Nepal will play One Day International tri-series against the United States of America and Oman here at the TU Stadium in February next year.

The International Cricket Council today announced the first eight series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 to begin in August on the Road to India 2023. According to the ICC schedule, the three teams will participate in the six-match series from February 5-12 in Kathmandu.

Nepal will travel to Namibia for another tri-series also involving Scotland at the Wanderers in Windhoek from April 20-27, while the tri-series among Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Papua New Guinea is slated for June 9-16 at Amini Park in Port Moresby.

The ICC is yet to announce the venues for six other tri-series — Scotland, Nepal, Namibia (June), Oman, USA, Nepal (January, 2021), Nepal, UAE, PNG (February), USA, Nepal, Oman (August), Nepal, Namibia, Scotland (November), and UAE, PNG, Nepal (January 2022).

According to the ICC, the seven nations —Nepal, Namibia, Oman, PNG, Scotland, UAE and USA — will play 36 ODIs each over two and half years from August 2019 to January 2022. After 126 ODIs played across 21 tri-series, with the first series kicking off in Scotland August 14, top three sides will earn berths in the World Cup Qualifier 2022.

The bottom four teams will drop to Play-off and will be joined by the winners of Challenge League A and B. The top two teams from the Play-off will advance to the Qualifier.

ICC General Manager – Development, William Glenwright said: “It is hugely exciting to see the first dates in the schedule for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. 126 ODIs over two and half years and three places in the Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier gives teams so much to play for through a schedule that provides teams with much more international cricket in fixed windows to allow for better preparation and planning.”