KATHMANDU: Teams participating in the ICC World Cup League 2 from 2024 to 2027 will now have the added incentive of securing a chance to play in the prestigious World Cup Qualifiers, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The ICC has outlined that the top four teams in the League 2 standings until 2027 will earn the coveted opportunity to compete in the World Cup Qualifiers, a crucial step towards making it to the pinnacle event.

A total of 24 triangular series, featuring a grand total of 144 matches, are scheduled to take place during this period. The teams finishing in the top four positions will progress to the World Cup Qualifiers.

Following this stage, the four qualifying teams will engage in the highly competitive World Cup Challenge League.

The ultimate victor from the playoffs will secure a spot in the prestigious World Cup Qualifiers.

In the previous League 2 edition spanning from 2019 to 2023, seven teams, including Nepal, Scotland, and Oman, participated. Nepal’s commendable performance secured them a place in the World Cup Qualifiers.

This time, the inclusion of the Netherlands adds a new dimension to League 2.

The Netherlands previously participated in the Super League alongside 12 test teams from 2019 to 2023.

The participating teams in League 2 include Canada, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, UAE, and the United States. Canada has qualified through the Challenge League, thereby regaining ODI status.

The League 2 series is set to kick off in Nepal on Saturday, featuring an exciting clash between Nepal, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Nepal will embark on its League 2 journey by facing Namibia in the opening series on Saturday.