ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 scheduled in Thailand, starts May 9

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 is set to ignite the cricketing landscape of Asia as it heads to Thailand from May 9 to May 20.

Serving as a vital gateway to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, this tournament is more than just a regional competition—it’s a battlefield where emerging teams chase a dream, where underdogs have the opportunity to shake up the hierarchy, and where established sides look to stamp their authority. With nine teams vying for just two spots in the next stage, the stakes have never been higher.

The structure of the tournament is deliberately tight and competitive. Nine teams are divided into three groups—Group A, B, and C—each comprising three teams. In the group stage, each team will face the others in their group once, and only the group toppers will progress to the final round.

That second stage, again a round-robin format, will feature the three group winners battling it out. The top two from that final round will move on to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. The margin for error is razor-thin, leaving no room for slip-ups.

Group A includes the hosts Thailand, Bhutan, and Kuwait—three teams with contrasting experience levels. Thailand, having qualified for the 2020 World Cup, will aim to dominate at home, while Bhutan and Kuwait return hungry to create upsets. Group B brings together defending champions UAE, a well-organized Malaysian unit, and the passionate squad from Qatar. Group C is balanced with Nepal, a traditional powerhouse, Hong Kong, a proven competitor, and Bahrain, who are keen to make a lasting impression.

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To understand the importance of this tournament, one must look at its journey. The first edition, held in 2019, featured seven teams: Thailand, Nepal, China, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, and UAE. Thailand emerged as champions, defeating Nepal and later they made history by securing a place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.

In 2021, the tournament saw six teams: UAE, Hong Kong, Bhutan, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Nepal. UAE dominated the event and were crowned champions, with Hong Kong finishing as runners-up. Bhutan’s participation that year was especially significant as it marked their entry into ICC pathway events.

The 2023 edition represented a massive leap forward, with 11 teams participating—UAE, Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, Bhutan, Qatar, Bahrain, Myanmar, and China. UAE once again claimed the title, beating Thailand in a thrilling final. The expansion of teams over the years signals a powerful shift in the Asian women’s cricket landscape. It shows how the sport is evolving, with newer nations like Bahrain, Myanmar, and Qatar now actively developing talent and competing at the international level.

The 2025 edition builds on this growth. Thailand and UAE, the two most successful teams in previous editions, are expected to lead the charge. But the threat from sides like Nepal, Malaysia, and Hong Kong remains ever-present. Bhutan, Bahrain, and Qatar may be labeled as underdogs, but their progress over the last few years—and their hunger to prove themselves—adds a wildcard element that could flip predictions.

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