ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Asia Qualifier A: Malaysia Hosts Competitive Battle for Men’s T20 World Cup Qualification
Media Release
From August 28 to September 10, 2024, Malaysia will play host to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Asia Qualifier A, a tournament that promises high-octane cricket action as teams from across Asia compete for a chance to qualify for the 2026 Men’s ICC T20 World Cup. The participating teams include Malaysia, Hong Kong - China, Kuwait, Singapore, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Maldives. This qualifier is a crucial step for these nations, as the top two teams will advance to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-EAP Final, inching closer to the coveted World Cup spot.
All matches will be held at two premier cricket venues in Malaysia: YSD-UKM Oval and Bayuemas Oval.
Team Overview
Malaysia
Captain: Syed Aziz
The host nation, Malaysia, enters the tournament with a well-balanced team full of enthusiasm and determination. The team has strong chemistry, with each player contributing unique skills to the squad. Malaysia’s squad is well-prepared, both physically and mentally, under the leadership of Syed Aziz, who is confident that his team can bring the trophy home. Key players include the experienced Syed Aziz and the dynamic all-rounder Virandeep Singh.
Squad : Virandeep Singh, Ahmad Faiz Mohammad Noor, Syed Aziz Syed Mubarak*, Vijay Unni Suresh Unni, Muhammad Amir Azim Adb Shukor, Sharvin Muniyandy, Ainool Hafizs Md Yatim, Rajkumar Rajendran, Aslam Khan Malik, Rizwan Haider, Azri Azhar Amaluz Zaman, Ahmad Zubaidi Zulkifle, Pavandeep Singh, Ahamed Aqeel Wahid.
Hong Kong – China
Captain: Nizakat Khan
Hong Kong - China is one of the top contenders in the tournament, having prepared extensively with international exposure in Sri Lanka and a Tri-Nation Series against Malaysia and Kuwait. The team has a good mix of youth and experience, making them a formidable opponent. Nizakat Khan leads a determined side ready to make a significant impact and secure a World Cup berth.
Squad: Mohammad Nizakat Khan*, Anshuman Rath, Martin Coetzee, Barbar Hayat, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Yasmin Murtaza, Zeeshan Ali, Nasrulla Rana, Ehsan Khan, Anas Khan, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Ateequl Rehman Iqbal, Adil Mehmood, James Atkinson.
Kuwait
Captain: Mohamed Aslam
Kuwait comes into the tournament with a clear mission—to qualify for the World Cup. The team is known for its resilience and fighting spirit, which will be crucial in this high-stakes competition. Kuwait’s squad is a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, all driven to perform at their best.
Squad: Mohamed Aslam Mohamed Nawfer*, Usmangani Ibrahim Ahmed Adam Bapu Patel, Ravija Sandaruwan De Silva Bodadura, Meet Bhavsar, Clinto Velookkaran Anto, Shiraz Khan Shereef, Bilal Tahir, Yasin Ishak Patel, Mohamed Shafeeq Manakkadavath, Nimish Lathief, Ilyas Ahmed, Adnan Idrees, Nawaf Ahmed, Muhammad Umar.
Singapore
Captain: Manpreet Singh
Singapore’s team is a well-oiled unit, having undergone rigorous preparation for the qualifiers. The Singapore Cricket Association has provided comprehensive support, ensuring that the players are in top condition. The team environment is positive, which reflects in their on-field performances. Singapore is seen as a strong contender with a solid chance to qualify.
Squad: Manpreet Singh, Janak Prakash, Anish Edward Paraam, Aman Desai, Raoul Sharma, Arjun Mutreja, Harsha Bharadwaj, Amartya Kaul, William Arlington Simpson, Akshay Roopak Puri, Ramesh Kalimuthu, Chandramohan Surendran, Rahul Sheshadri, Aritra Dutta.
Myanmar
Captain: Htet Lin Aung
Summary: Myanmar enters the tournament with renewed confidence, having worked on all aspects of their game, including temperament and mental toughness. The team has shown significant improvement and is eager to prove their mettle on the big stage. While Myanmar might be considered underdogs, their recent progress suggests they could cause a few upsets.
Squad: Hu Ya Aung, Ye Naing Tun+, Htet Lin Aung*, Htet Lin Oo, Khin Aye, Aung Ko Ko, Ko Ko Lin, Thu, Naylin Htun, Lwin Maw, Pyae Phyo Wai, Nyein Cham Soe, Myat Thu Aung, Paing Danu, Swann Hetet Ko Ko.
Mongolia
Captain: Luvsanzundui Erdenebulgan
Summary: Mongolia is relatively new to the international cricket scene but has shown promise in their previous outings. The team is focused on gaining valuable experience and showcasing their talent on a larger platform. While expectations are tempered, Mongolia is eager to make a mark in the qualifiers.
Squad: Luwsanzundui Erdenebulgan, Mohan Vivekenandan, Temuulen Amarmend, Bat Yalait Namsrainyambaataar Naranbaatar, Zoljavkhlan Shurentsetseg, Davaasuren Jamiyansuren, Sodbileg Gantulga, Sanchir Natsagdorj, Od Lutbayar, Gandemberel Ganbold, Turbold Batjargal, Turmunkh Tumursukh, Enkhbat Batkhuyag.
Maldives
Captain: Yoosuf Azyan Faruhath
The Maldives team is driven by passion and the desire to put their cricket on the map. The squad is a blend of youthful energy and seasoned players, aiming to perform well and possibly secure a spot in the next round of qualifiers. Their participation adds to the competitive spirit of the tournament.
Squad : Yoosuf Azyan Faruhath, Adam Nasif Umar, Mohamed Rishwan, Hassan Ibrahim, Leem Shafeeq, Mohamed Azzam+, Ali Shunan, Ismail Ali, Azin Moahmed Rafeeq, Mabsar Abdulla, Mohamed Miuvaan Shifau, Gedara Piyal Kumara+, Ibrahim Rizan, Mohamed Sanoon Mohamed Shyam.
Captain Quotes
Syed Aziz, Malaysia:* “Our team is highly motivated and well-prepared for the tournament. We have strong chemistry, and each member brings unique strengths to the table. I’m confident in our ability to bring the trophy home.”
Nizakat Khan, Hong Kong - China:* “As we embark on our journey in the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers, I am incredibly proud of our team’s spirit and determination. Our experiences in Sri Lanka and the Tri-Nation Series have only strengthened our resolve. We are ready to showcase our talent and make our mark on the world stage.”
Mohamed Aslam, Kuwait: “We come with a mission to qualify for the World Cup. Every match is a battle, and we fight with our hearts. We’re ready for this next challenge.”
Manpreet Singh, Singapore: “The Singapore team has put in tremendous effort over the past few months preparing for the ICC T20 Qualifiers. The players are in excellent shape and fully prepared for the tournament.”
Htet Lin Aung, Myanmar: “We have worked hard over the last three months, focusing not only on our batting, bowling, and fielding but also on our mental game. This is the most important tournament for our team to make our country proud.
Yoosuf Azyan Faruhath, Maldives:* “This is a great opportunity to play competitive cricket, and we’re looking forward to an exciting tournament ahead. Our team is eager to show what we can do on the field and make our nation proud.”
Tournament Schedule
The tournament will feature a single round-robin format, with each team playing against every other team once. This setup leads to a total of 21 matches, ensuring that all teams have an equal chance to prove their worth. The top two teams from this round-robin stage will advance to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, taking one step closer to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Date
Bayuemas Oval
YSD UKM Oval
Time
30-Aug-24
Malaysia v Maldives
Hong Kong v Myanmar
9:30 AM
Kuwait v Mongolia
1:45 PM
31-Aug-24
Maldives v Singapore
Myanmar v Malaysia
9:30 AM
Mongolia v Hong Kong
1:45 PM
1-Sep-24
Rest Day
2-Sep-24
Hong Kong v Singapore
Kuwait v Maldives
9:30 AM
Mongolia v Myanmar
1:45 PM
3-Sep-24
Maldives v Hong Kong
9:30 AM
Myanmar v Kuwait
Singapore v Malaysia
1:45 PM
4-Sep-24
Rest Day
5-Sep-24
Kuwait v Malaysia
Mongolia v Singapore
9:30 AM
Myanmar v Maldives
1:45 PM
6-Sep-24
Maldives v Mongolia
Singapore v Kuwait
9:30 AM
7-Sep-24
Malaysia v Hong Kong
1:45 PM
8-Sep-24
Rest Day
9-Sep-24
Singapore v Myanmar
Malaysia v Mongolia
9:30 AM
Hong Kong v Kuwait
1:45 PM
10-Sep-24
Teams and Match Officials Depart
Cricket fans around the world can catch all the action live. The matches will be streamed on ICC.tv globally, while viewers in India can watch the games on FanCode