What is the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2?
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 is a critical part of the qualification process for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Introduced in 2019, it allows associate nations to compete over multiple years, earning crucial points in a round-robin format to progress toward cricket’s most prestigious event — the World Cup.
It’s more than just a tournament; it’s an opportunity for rising cricket nations to showcase their talent on a global stage. This league is a stepping stone that bridges the gap between domestic cricket and the elite World Cup stage.
Structure and Format of League 2
League 2 functions on a tri-series format, where three teams compete in each series hosted in various countries. Points are awarded for wins and ties, contributing to a cumulative league table over several years.
Participating Teams
A total of 7 associate teams are part of ICC League 2:
- Oman
- Namibia
- Scotland
- UAE
- Nepal
- USA
- Papua New Guinea
Each team plays 36 ODIs, ensuring a balanced opportunity to earn points over time.
Match Schedule and Format
- Matches are One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 3 teams per series, each playing 4 matches
- Each team plays 6 series total
- Points: 2 for a win, 1 for a tie/no result, 0 for a loss
Road to the World Cup: What’s at Stake
Qualification Path Explained
League 2 is a part of the World Cup qualification structure:
- Top 3 teams progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier
- Bottom 4 teams go to Qualifier Play-off, competing with Challenge League winners
- Final 2 teams from Qualifier make it to the World Cup
This ensures only the most competitive teams advance, reinforcing merit-based qualification.
Impact on Associate Nations
The structure gives associate members sustained international exposure, crucial funding, and higher global rankings. It’s essentially a promotion ladder for the “underdogs” of world cricket to step into the big league.
Key Performances and Stats So Far
Numbers tell powerful stories. Let’s look at the standout performances that have defined League 2.
Top Run Scorers
| Player | Country | Runs Scored | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gerhard Erasmus | Namibia | 1204 | 30 |
| Aqib Ilyas | Oman | 1108 | 28 |
| Jatinder Singh | Oman | 1065 | 29 |
These consistent performances have not only boosted team morale but also attracted scouts from T20 leagues worldwide.
Leading Wicket Takers
| Player | Country | Wickets Taken | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Nepal | 48 | 25 |
| Zeeshan Maqsood | Oman | 45 | 27 |
| Bernard Scholtz | Namibia | 42 | 26 |
These bowlers have turned games single-handedly, proving that talent isn’t limited to the Test-playing nations.
Team-by-Team Performance Overview
🇴🇲 Oman
Oman emerged as a powerhouse early in the tournament, relying on strong openers and a solid bowling unit. Their consistency in both home and away series has made them formidable contenders.
🇳🇦 Namibia
Namibia stunned many with their aggressive style and world-class fielding. Their star players often dominate both the batting and bowling charts.
Scotland
Scotland has been tactically sharp. With seasoned campaigners and young guns in tow, they remain consistent contenders.
ICC League 2 Points Table: Latest Updates
The points table is where strategy, consistency, and stamina meet statistics. As of the latest series, here’s how the leaderboard looks:
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland | 28 | 20 | 6 | 2 | 42 | +0.956 |
| 2 | Oman | 36 | 21 | 13 | 2 | 44 | +0.505 |
| 3 | Namibia | 30 | 18 | 10 | 2 | 38 | +0.728 |
| 4 | Nepal | 30 | 15 | 13 | 2 | 32 | +0.102 |
| 5 | UAE | 28 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 30 | -0.184 |
| 6 | USA | 36 | 11 | 23 | 2 | 24 | -0.764 |
| 7 | PNG | 30 | 2 | 28 | 0 | 4 | -1.379 |
Note: This is a sample snapshot. For live updates, visit the official ICC website.
Star Players to Watch
Emerging Talents
- Ruben Trumpelmann (Namibia): A left-arm pacer who can swing it both ways.
- Aarif Sheikh (Nepal): Reliable in the middle order and sharp in the field.
- Bilal Khan (Oman): Known for picking wickets in powerplays.
Veteran Game-Changers
- Zeeshan Maqsood (Oman): All-round leader, consistent with bat and ball.
- Richie Berrington (Scotland): A backbone for Scotland’s batting.
- Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal): The poster boy of Nepali cricket and a global T20 sensation.
These players have shown the world that passion and performance go hand in hand—even outside of the big-name teams.
League 2’s Impact on Global Cricket
League 2 has reshaped cricket’s future by bringing more nations into the competitive spotlight. The expanded ODI platform means:
- Sustainable cricket development for associate nations
- More competitive bilateral and tri-series
- Boosted fan engagement in non-traditional cricket regions
- Pathways to World Cup, not just through rankings but through hard-earned wins
It’s a step toward a more inclusive, globally embraced cricket culture.
Broadcasting and Streaming Information
Cricket fans worldwide can tune in to the action via various platforms. Here’s where you can watch:
| Region | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Global | ICC.tv (Free and Paid Tiers) |
| India | FanCode |
| USA | Willow TV |
| UK | Sky Sports (select matches) |
| Online | YouTube (ICC Official Channel) |
Live scoring and match highlights are available on ESPNcricinfo and the ICC mobile app.
Future of ICC League 2
As League 2 evolves, we can expect:
- More teams in future editions
- T20 Leagues scouting associate talent
- Hybrid formats (ODI + T20) for fan engagement
- Increased ICC funding for grassroots development
With growing viewership and competitive spirit, League 2 could become cricket’s most vital second-tier event, nurturing the future stars of the sport.
F.A.Q’s
1. What is the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2?
It’s a round-robin ODI competition featuring 7 associate nations, forming part of the qualification path to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
2. How do teams qualify for the World Cup from League 2?
Top 3 teams go directly to the World Cup Qualifier. The rest enter a play-off with Challenge League winners for remaining spots.
3. How many matches does each team play in League 2?
Each team plays a total of 36 ODIs across several tri-series events.
4. Can League 2 players get picked in IPL or BBL?
Yes. Many players from associate nations have caught the attention of global leagues due to their performances here.
5. Where can I watch ICC League 2 matches live?
Matches are streamed on ICC.tv, FanCode, and occasionally on TV via Willow or Sky Sports.
6. Why is League 2 important for associate nations?
It provides consistent international exposure, funding, and a direct pathway to global ICC events like the World Cup.
Conclusion
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 is more than a qualification tool—it’s a revolution in cricket’s global expansion. By giving associate nations a chance to shine, it fuels growth, inspires young talent, and democratizes the gentleman’s game. From Oman’s dominance to Namibia’s rise and Nepal’s magical bowling, League 2 has brought stories of grit, passion, and potential to the fore.
As the tournament continues to evolve, its value grows—not just for the participating teams, but for fans and the future of cricket worldwide.