The path to the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2028 has now officially commenced in Asia. Six emerging Asian cricket nations have now successfully progressed from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers A and B, the tournaments that were simultaneously held in Malaysia.
According to an official update from the International Cricket Council (ICC), six teams have advanced to the next stage of the qualifier round—Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Hong Kong China, and Malaysia. After an impressive performance in Kuala Lumpur, these six Asian teams have begun their qualification journey and passed the first step.
T20 World Cup 2028 Qualification Journey Starts For Asian Teams
As per the multi-stage qualification system introduced by the ICC for the men’s T20 World Cup 2028, the sub-regional tournaments in Asia mark the first test for associate nations to secure a spot in the global event.
However, progressing from the sub-regional qualifiers A and B doesn’t mean that all six teams have qualified for the main event in 2028.
The teams that have progressed from the Malaysia qualifiers will advance into the Asia Regional Final in 2027. This marks a highly intriguing competition to seal a spot in the Global Qualifier.
About the T20 World Cup Asia Sub-Regional Qualifier 2026
A total of 13 teams featured across two sub-regional qualifier tournaments— Qualifier A and Qualifier B. With 36 matches played across two venues – Kuala Lumpur and Bangi- the teams competed to secure the top three positions in the points table of each competition.
Each team had an opportunity to play six matches throughout the Sub Regional Qualifier A and improve their top three rankings in the points table.
While every team in the Sub Regional Qualifier B played five matches. This made the contest very tight, as teams cannot afford more than one loss for safer qualification.
Qualifier A Overall Standings and Top 3 Teams Qualified
| Rankings | Teams | Outcome (After playing 6 matches) | Points and Net Run Rate (NRR) |
| 1. | Kuwait | 5 Wins and 1 Loss | 10 Points and +5.775 NRR |
| 2. | Bahrain | 5 Wins and 1 Loss | 10 Points and +2.283 NRR |
| 3. | Qatar | 4 Wins, 1 Loss, and 1 No Result | 9 Points and +3.145 NRR |
| 4. | Thailand | 3 Wins and 3 Losses | 6 Points and +1.518 NRR |
| 5. | Bhutan | 2 Wins and 4 Losses | 4 Points and -1.139 NRR |
| 6. | Myanmar | 1 Win and 5 Losses | 2 Points and -2.013 NRR |
| 7. | Mongolia | 0 wins, 5 losses, and 1 No Result | 1 Point and -9.098 NRR |
Qualifier B Overall Standings and Top 3 Teams Qualified
| Rankings | Teams | Outcome (After playing 5 matches) | Points and Net Run Rate (NRR) |
| 1. | Saudi Arabia | 5 Wins and 0 losses | 10 Points and +3.147 NRR |
| 2. | Hong Kong China | 3 Wins, 1 Loss and 1 No Result | 7 Points and +2.107 NRR |
| 3. | Malaysia | 3 Wins and 2 Losses | 6 Points and +2.474 NRR |
| 4. | Singapore | 2 Wins and 3 Losses | 4 Points and -0.670 NRR |
| 5. | Maldives | 1 Win, 3 Losses, and 1 No Result | 3 Points and -2.265 NRR |
| 6. | China | 0 Wins and 5 Losses | 0 points and -5.074 NRR |
Saudi Arabia Claim Their First Ever ICC Title
While Kuwait finished as the Qualifier A table toppers, Saudi Arabia created history as the unbeaten side of the Qualifier B. Both teams were crowned champions, and according to the ICC, Saudi Arabia claimed its first-ever ICC title.
Throughout the tournament, Saudi’s consistent performance helped them finish above Hong Kong China and the host nation Malaysia in the Qualifier B points table. This is indeed a huge achievement for the nation as the bat-and-ball sport witnessed massive growth in recent years.
Saudi Arabia skipper Waji Ul Hassan shared his joyful moment of historic triumph for his team in the cricket world. Here is what the 31-year-old said, praising his team’s commitment, unity, and competitive spirit:
“Certainly! It is a great feeling and historic achievement for Saudi cricket. It is a dream come true moment winning our first ICC title, and we have gained a valuable reward for our dedication, hard work, and determination.
We are proud to be part of the Saudi Arabia cricket team and are eager to share this achievement with our home. The way our teammates performed, exhibiting an excellent commitment, unity, and competitiveness throughout the tournament, has made me extremely proud,” Hassan said.
Overall Verdict: The Road Ahead for Asia’s Qualifiers 2026
The top three ranked teams from sub-regional Qualifier A and Qualifier B will now advance into the men’s T20 World Cup Asia Regional Final 2027, where they will battle for qualification spots in the Global Qualifier.
In other words, the Global Qualifier is indeed the final qualifying stage before the T20 World Cup 2028 hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia emerged as the sub-regional Qualifier champions, while Qatar, Bahrain, Malaysia and Hong Kong China sealed their spot in the Asia Regional Final.
However, the challenge gets tougher for these six teams as each nation is keen to grab the realistic opportunity of participating in cricket’s biggest T20 tournament.
As associate nations continue to grow across the continent, the forthcoming stages of the tournament promise to be highly competitive as all teams will be keen to keep their World Cup dream alive.