Historic first for South Korea as dates and venues for 2024 Pathway Events announced

Indonesia, Samoa, and South Korea named as hosts for the 2024 East Asia Pacific (EAP) ICC Pathway Events.

Published - 05 Mar 2024, 17:30 IST | Updated - 05 Mar 2024, 18:09 IST

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Dates for ICC's 2024 Pathway events have been announced with all nine EAP members making their presence felt by participating in at least one of the events.

Four EAP ICC Pathway Events will be held over the year, across Senior Men’s, U19 Women’s, and U19 Men’s World Cups in their respective formats.

It all starts in May 2024 in Indonesia, where Bali will play host to the second-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier. Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa will join the hosts in a four-team event. The inaugural event was also played in Bali in 2022 and saw Indonesia qualify for their maiden ICC event.

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The spirited side impressed in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, even managing a historic win over Zimbabwe.

Wesika Ratna Dewi, the Indonesian skipper in the inaugural tournament, wished her side well for the upcoming event,

“I feel proud whenever I represent my country and I know how it feels to win this qualifier and go to an ICC World Cup.

"It is difficult to achieve success at this level, and it is important not to waste the opportunities we are given. The Indonesian coaching staff and team are well-prepared for this event, and I am excited to see the next generation play. I wish all teams much success and look forward to seeing top-level cricket at my home in Bali.”

The action will then move to Samoa, who play host to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 Qualifier, followed immediately by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier A in August. This provides the country an excellent opportunity to showcase its talent to the world.

Sala Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau, the General Manager of Samoa Cricket believed the tournaments were a “motivating force” in fostering community unity,

“Hosting two international cricket tournaments in Samoa not only shows the nation's commitment to sporting excellence but also provides growth opportunities for both Samoa as a country and Samoa Cricket as a sports organisation.

“These tournaments serve as a motivating force and inspiration in fostering community unity through more people participating in cricket, increased fans and commercial partners, promoting tourism, and empowering our youth with invaluable cricket skills, cultural experiences, and friendship.”

Later, on the 10th Anniversary of cricket’s inclusion in the 2014 Asian Games, held in Incheon, South Korea, the Asian nation will play host to their first-ever ICC event. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B will see participation from Indonesia, Japan, Phillipines and South Korea.

Kim Nam Ghi, Chairman of Korea Cricket Association, stated that the tournament held immense significance for junior cricket development,

“Hosting a prestigious event like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B signifies a monumental milestone for Korea Cricket Association and cricket development in Korea.

“Beyond the excitement of international cricket returning to our shores, this tournament holds immense significance for us in terms of junior development and nurturing the dreams of aspiring athletes.

“Being part of this event not only provides a platform for our players to showcase their talent on a global stage but also inspires them towards higher goals, including the dream of participating in future Olympic events.”

ICC Regional Development Manager - EAP, Rob Gomm also called 2024 a huge year in cricket for the EAP region, providing an opportunity to all EAP members to qualify for the ICC global tournaments,

“2024 is shaping up to be a huge year in cricket for the EAP Region. All Associate Members have a chance to take the next step in ICC World Cup qualification and bring pride to their fans back home. I want to wish all the hosts the very best with their preparations. The eyes of the cricketing world will be on us, and I am confident we will deliver four world-class events.”

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Schedule of 2024 Events: