Written by Vaibhav Tripathi
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifier will be held in Zimbabwe from June 18 to July 19. Ten teams, including West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will compete for two spots at the World Cup, which will be hosted by India in October-November. West Indies are placed in Group A with Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Nepal, and the USA, while Sri Lanka are in Group B with Ireland, Scotland, Oman, and the UAE. The opening match of the tournament will feature Zimbabwe, the hosts, against Nepal on June 18 at Harare Sports Club, while West Indies, the two-time World Cup champions, will face the USA on the same day at Takashinga Cricket Club.
Group B commences on June 19 in Bulawayo, with Sri Lanka facing the UAE at Queen’s Sports Club, while, in the other match at Bulawayo Athletic Club, Ireland will face off against Oman.
“The countdown to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is entering the final stages and this event presents an incredible opportunity for teams to earn a place in the pinnacle event of one day cricket,” said Geoff Allardice, the ICC chief executive. “The stakes don’t get any bigger in what will be a very competitive event enjoyed by fans looking to see who will join the eight teams that have already booked their tickets to India.
“With two former Men’s Cricket World Cup champions among the contenders as well as emerging cricket nations who are aiming to qualify for the first time, this unique event, featuring teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe will be a showcase of the global game.”
Group A: West Indies, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Netherlands and United States of America
Group B: Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Oman and United Arab Emirates