The 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia–East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Regional Final is set to take place in Oman in October 2025, serving as a critical qualification tournament for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. As the competition intensifies, nine teams will battle for three coveted spots in the upcoming global tournament.
This phase is crucial for emerging cricketing nations, providing them an opportunity to join established teams such as India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, who have already secured their places. With cricket’s growing popularity in Asia and the Pacific, this tournament is expected to deliver highly competitive action, thrilling encounters, and potential upsets.
Tournament Overview
- 🗓 Dates: October 2025
- 📍 Host Country: Oman
- 🏏 Cricket Format: Twenty20 International (T20I)
- 👥 Participants: 9 teams
- 🎯 Qualification Spots: 3 teams will advance to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
The event is organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and ICC East Asia-Pacific (EAP), aiming to expand the presence of cricket across non-traditional regions.
For fans interested in betting on this thrilling tournament, online betting in Bangladesh offers various platforms where cricket enthusiasts can analyze odds and place bets on their favorite teams.
Teams and Qualification Path
The qualification process for the 2026 T20 World Cup is rigorous, involving multiple sub-regional tournaments in both Asia and the East Asia-Pacific region.
Already Qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup:
These teams have secured direct qualification based on hosting rights, rankings, and past performances:
- Co-hosts: 🇮🇳 India, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
- Top Performers from the 2024 T20 World Cup: 🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
- Based on ICC Rankings: 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Teams Competing in the 2025 Asia–EAP Regional Final:
These teams progressed through the sub-regional qualifiers and will fight for the final three qualification spots:
| Region | Teams | Qualified From |
| Asia Qualifier A | 🇰🇼 Kuwait, 🇲🇾 Malaysia | Malaysia, August 2024 |
| Asia Qualifier B | 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | Qatar, November 2024 |
| EAP Qualifier A | 🇼🇸 Samoa | Samoa, August 2024 |
| EAP Qualifier B | 🇯🇵 Japan | South Korea, October 2024 |
| Direct Entry | 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea | 2024 T20 World Cup Participants |
The top three teams from this regional final will advance to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, joining the pre-qualified teams.
Tournament Format and Structure
The Asia–EAP Regional Final will follow a round-robin format, ensuring that each team plays against all the others. The top three teams in the points table at the end of the tournament will book their spots for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Points Table (Pre-Tournament Standings)
| Position | Team | Matches Played (Pld) | Wins (W) | Losses (L) | NR (No Result) | Points (Pts) | NRR (Net Run Rate) | Qualification Status |
| 1 | 🇯🇵 Japan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | To be decided |
| 2 | 🇰🇼 Kuwait | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 3 | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 4 | 🇳🇵 Nepal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 5 | 🇴🇲 Oman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 6 | 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 7 | 🇶🇦 Qatar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 8 | 🇼🇸 Samoa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 9 | 🇦🇪 UAE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
The top three teams at the end of the tournament will qualify for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Key Players to Watch
Several emerging cricket stars from these regions will be in action, aiming to make a mark on the global stage.
Potential Game Changers in the Tournament:
- 🇳🇵 Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal) – A hard-hitting batsman with a reputation for quick runs.
- 🇴🇲 Kashyap Prajapati (Oman) – A consistent performer in the middle order.
- 🇵🇬 Tony Ura (Papua New Guinea) – An explosive opener capable of scoring big runs.
- 🇶🇦 Imran Ashraf (Qatar) – A key player in Qatar’s bowling attack.
- 🇯🇵 Shogo Kimura (Japan) – A former baseball player transitioning into a key all-rounder for Japan.
These players could change the course of matches with their exceptional skills.
Betting and Market Trends for the Asia–EAP Regional Final
With the growing popularity of cricket betting, fans across Asia are actively following and wagering on regional qualifiers. Many platforms now accept Nagad transactions, making it easier for Bangladeshi users to bet on international matches.
For those looking for safe and secure betting options, checking out a Nagad betting site provides reliable platforms that support seamless transactions and competitive odds.
Expert Predictions: Who Will Qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
With nine teams battling for just three available spots, the competition in the 2025 Asia–EAP Regional Final is expected to be intense. Analysts and cricket experts have already started making their predictions based on team form, key players, and past performances in international cricket.
Favorites to Qualify
🔹 Nepal 🇳🇵 – One of the most consistent Associate nations, Nepal has been a dominant force in T20 cricket. With strong bowling depth and an aggressive top order, they are considered favorites to finish in the top three.
🔹 Oman 🇴🇲 – As the host nation, Oman will benefit from familiar conditions and local support. Their team, known for its disciplined bowling attack and well-structured batting, has previously performed well in ICC tournaments.
🔹 Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 – Having played in the 2024 T20 World Cup, PNG enters the tournament with valuable experience. Their explosive top-order batsmen and attacking pace bowlers make them a strong contender for qualification.
Potential Dark Horses
🔹 United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 – A rising force in Associate cricket, UAE has been investing heavily in player development. If their batting lineup delivers under pressure, they could surprise many by securing a qualification spot.
🔹 Japan 🇯🇵 – As a fast-improving cricketing nation, Japan’s qualification for the EAP Regional Final marks a major achievement. While they may not be immediate favorites, their strategic approach and disciplined play could lead to a breakthrough performance.
Key Factors That Will Influence Qualification
✔ Pitch Conditions in Oman – Teams with strong spin bowlers will have an advantage on the dry, turning tracks.
✔ Experience in High-Pressure Matches – Teams like Nepal and Oman have played in ICC events before, which could give them the edge.
✔ Squad Depth and Player Fitness – The tournament schedule will be demanding, making bench strength and fitness management crucial.
While Nepal, Oman, and Papua New Guinea are the most likely teams to qualify, upsets are common in T20 cricket, and teams like UAE or Japan could spring a surprise. With spots in the 2026 T20 World Cup on the line, expect a highly competitive and unpredictable tournament.
Conclusion
The 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia–EAP Regional Final promises to be a thrilling tournament, with teams from diverse regions competing for three coveted spots in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
With high-stakes matches, rising cricket stars, and potential upsets, this tournament will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cricket in Asia and the Pacific region.
For cricket fans, this is a fantastic opportunity to witness emerging talent and follow one of the most competitive qualification tournaments in recent history.