Dubai, Dec 14: For the first time ever, Italy, Germany and Denmark will be given the opportunity to host an ICC event next year, announced the governing body of cricket on Thursday.
“Next year will see three new countries given the opportunity to host an ICC event for the first time, with Italy, Germany and Denmark joining seasoned hosts Scotland and Guernsey in a packed summer of ICC pathway cricket in Europe in 2024,” the ICC said in a statement. A record 30 countries will compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers, with three tournaments happening between June and August in Italy, Germany and Guernsey, it said.
During the same period, qualification for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 will be up for grabs as Scotland and Netherlands do battle in August, whilst eight countries will compete in the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier in Denmark on the road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.In a clear sign of the growth and expansion of cricket into new territories, Germany and Italy feature as first-time hosts in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification pathway.
Both countries impressed at the recent Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Europe Final. (Agencies)