April is a decisive month for International Cricket Council associate members in the Gulf region. Qualifying outcomes for both the Asia Cricket Cup and the ODI World Cup are in play.
Earlier in the month, the UAE succeeded in reaching the final qualification stage for the 2023 ODI World Cup. In the second qualifying stage for the finals of the Asia Cricket Cup, the men’s teams of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain will compete in the Asia Premier Cup, along with four other Asian teams.
Stakes are high, as only the winning team will join the five full ICC Asian members in the Asia Cup. The naming of the qualifying stages, as if each was a free-standing competition, can lead to confusion.
Nepal is the venue for the Asia Premier Cup, where vociferous home supporters will be striving to drive their team on to greater heights.