Kuwait and Saudi Arabia Win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia emerged as winners of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers held in Malaysia. From Sub-Regional Qualifier ‘A’, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia from Qualifier ‘B’, have secured their places in the 2027 Asia Regional Final. The teams advancing from the Regional Final will compete in the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, while Nepal will enter the Global Qualifier directly.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia topped the Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers within the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification pathway. Both teams claimed the championship in their respective qualifiers held in Malaysia, guaranteeing their participation in the 2027 Asia Regional Final. In Sub-Regional Qualifier ‘A’, Kuwait finished first, Bahrain second, and Qatar third—these three teams will advance to the Regional Final. Meanwhile, in Sub-Regional Qualifier ‘B’, Saudi Arabia secured first place, Hong Kong second, and hosts Malaysia third.
Thus, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia will compete in the 2027 Asia Regional Final. Adnan Idris of Kuwait was named the best player in Qualifier ‘A’, while Virandeep Singh from Malaysia received the same honor in Qualifier ‘B’. Kuwait’s captain Mohammad Aslam described winning the title as a proud moment for his team, attributing their success to clear strategies, disciplined preparation, trust in players, and a strong team culture. Saudi Arabia’s captain Wazi ul Hasan highlighted the achievement as a historic milestone in his country’s cricket history, noting that winning their first ICC tournament title reflects the team’s hard work and dedication.
The competitions took place across three venues in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—the Biomass Oval, UKM Oval, and STC Oval—with 13 teams playing a total of 36 matches across two different qualifiers. The Regional Final will determine which teams advance to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. Nepal, however, will progress directly to the Global Qualifier stage.