A rescheduled qualification pathway for the 2022 U-19 World Cup in the Caribbean was confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday (December 13).
As per the pathway announced, 33 teams will compete for five spots in the tournament proper. Those spots will be determined through regional qualification events among the associates.
Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe have already gained qualification spots at the World Cup on the back of having finished within the top 11 sides at the 2020 edition.
The start of the qualification pathway had been delayed due to the complications in hosting matches amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflective of the depth and strength available in Africa and Asia, the ICC has opted for a two-division process for these two regions, while teams from Americas, EAP (East Asia and Pacific) and Europe will only have one division qualifying process to contend with, allowing the winners of their competitions to directly make the World Cup.
"The road to the West Indies which showcases the future stars of cricket, will begin in Tanzania with the Africa Division 2 in June 2021," the ICC confirmed in a statement.
"The hosts, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Sierra Leone will be fighting for two spots to join Namibia, Nigeria and Uganda in the Africa Qualifier in September 2021."
"The qualifier will be hosted by Nigeria who competed in their first ever ICC event at the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2020. The top team from the September event will secure their spot in the West Indies."
"The Asia region which also has two divisions will see two qualifiers from Bhutan, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Thailand in Division 2 join Malaysia, Nepal and UAE nine in the Asia Qualifier to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates with the top team qualifying for the West Indies."
"The top team from the remaining qualifiers East-Asia Pacific, Europe and Americas will make up the Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup line-up."
"In Europe, Scotland will host the Qualifier from 30 July to 5 August and will compete alongside Denmark, Guernsey, Ireland, Jersey and the Netherlands for the World Cup spot. USA will host the Americas Qualifier and will be joined by Argentina, Bermuda and Canada between 18 and 25 August 2021."
"The EAP qualifier which consists of Indonesia, PNG, Vanuatu and hosts Japan will take place between 28 September and 4 October, with the winner booking their ticket to the West Indies."
