ICC Cricket: The cricket landscape in Europe is set for a historic transformation in the summer of 2024, as three new countries – Italy, Germany, and Denmark – join the ranks of ICC event hosts alongside Scotland and Guernsey. This exciting development marks a significant expansion of the ICC pathway in the region, offering cricket enthusiasts a thrilling summer of international cricket.
Record Participation in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers
A record-breaking 30 countries are set to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers, scheduled between June and August. The tournaments, hosted in Italy, Germany, and Guernsey, showcase the growing popularity and inclusivity of cricket in new territories. Germany and Italy, as first-time hosts in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification pathway, are eager to deepen their cricket connections with local fans and players.
New Hosts, New Horizons: Germany and Italy’s Inaugural ICC Events
Germany and Italy, having impressed in the recent Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Final, are embracing the opportunity to host an ICC tournament on home soil. The President of the Deutscher Cricket Bund, Severin Weiss, expressed excitement about hosting the tournament, anticipating a surge in cricket participation and awareness following the recent inclusion of cricket in the Olympics in 2028.
Fabio Marabini, President of Federazione Cricket Italiana, conveyed his pleasure about Italy’s successful bid, ensuring that the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier would be a memorable sporting event for all participating countries.
U19 Pathway Goes from Strength to Strength
Simultaneously, the U19 pathway gains momentum with Scotland and the Netherlands facing off in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in August. The stakes are high, with direct qualification to the 2025 edition on the line. Meanwhile, Denmark debuts as hosts of an ICC pathway event with the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier in July, featuring an action-packed schedule across Copenhagen.
Alex Olsen, CEO of Cricket Denmark, expressed excitement about hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier, highlighting the beautiful cricket grounds in Copenhagen and the positive experience they aim to provide for young participants.
2024 Schedule of Events: ICC Cricket in Europe
| Event | Host | Dates | Participating Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier A | Italy | 9-16 June 2024 | Italy, Portugal, Isle of Man, Austria, France, Romania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Turkiye, Israel |
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier B | Germany | 7-14 July 2024 | Jersey, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Serbia, Gibraltar, Croatia, Slovenia |
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier C | Guernsey | 21-28 August 2024 | Spain, Guernsey, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Estonia |
| ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier | Denmark | 24-30 July 2024 | Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Isle of Man, Denmark, Sweden, France, Belgium |
| ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier | Scotland | 1-4 August 2024 | Scotland, Netherlands |
The 2024 cricket calendar in Europe promises a thrilling spectacle with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifiers A, B, and C, along with the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier and ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. Each event will feature a diverse array of participating teams, showcasing the growing footprint of cricket across the continent.
Exciting Times Ahead for European Cricket
The summer of 2024 promises to be a landmark period for European cricket, with new host nations, expanded tournaments, and a growing focus on nurturing emerging talent through the U19 pathway. As the cricket community eagerly awaits these events, the stage is set for a thrilling season that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and popularity of cricket across Europe.
