East-Asia Pacific Qualifier for T20 World Cup 2023 cancelled; Mexico to host Americas Qualifier

The East-Asia Pacific Qualifier for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 have been cancelled due to COVID-19, the ICC announced on Wednesday (September 19).



The competition was to be held between November 7 and 12 with the hosts yet to be confirmed. Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, PNG, Samoa and Vanuatu were set to take part in the qualifier. PNG is the highest ranked side among them, placed at 14 in the ICC charts.



“We have unfortunately had to cancel the EAP Qualifiers to the Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Tetley, Head of Events at ICC.



“With the current travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for travelling countries meant the only course of action was to cancel. We would like to thank all participating Members for their patience and support in coming to this decision.”



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“In accordance with the decision taken by the ICC Board in November 2020 in relation to cancelled qualifying events the Philippines will now qualify for the next stage of the Men’s pathway. For the women’s, the team that will advance to the global qualifier based on the rankings will be determined at the end of November 2021.”



The rankings as on November 30, 2021 will determine the team that goes ahead to the global qualifiers.



Meanwhile, the Americas Qualifier will be hosted by Mexico from October 18 to 25. Argentina, Brazil, Canada and USA will compete in the tournament.