The upcoming ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier begins this Thursday, showcasing some of the best young cricketing talent from Japan, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The tournament will take place at the Sano International Cricket Ground over six days, featuring a double round-robin format with a total of six matches.
As the host nation, Japan will kick off the action against PNG on the opening day. Fiji, looking to secure its second appearance in the U19 World Cup after its participation in 2016, will also compete alongside PNG, which seeks its tenth appearance at the prestigious event and its first since 2022.
Acting Regional Development Manager for ICC East Asia-Pacific, Toby Cohen, emphasized the importance of the tournament in showcasing emerging cricket talent. He extended his appreciation to the Japan Cricket Association for facilitating the event and wished all participating teams the best of luck, noting the competitive nature of the week ahead.
Alan Curr, Head of Cricket Operations for the Japan Cricket Association, expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the U19 tournament, marking the return of international cricket to Japan after several years. He hopes this new squad can draw inspiration from their past successes and reflects on the progress they have made.
Ten teams have already secured automatic qualification for the main event, with five remaining spots up for grabs through regional qualifiers. Following the recent successes of Tanzania and Afghanistan in the Africa and Asia Qualifiers, respectively, the stage is set for intense competition among the participating teams in Japan.
Fans can witness all matches live via the Japan Cricket Association’s YouTube channel, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts worldwide can support their countries as they vie for a coveted spot in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, set to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The tournament highlights an encouraging trend in cricket, particularly in the East Asia-Pacific region, showcasing the dedication to nurturing young talent and providing a platform for future stars of the sport.
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