News
2028 T20 World Cup EAP Qualifiers Set to Transform Cricket in Japan
16 Mar 2026, 4:21 pm
Japan Hosts Its Biggest Cricket Event
The 2028 T20 World Cup EAP Qualifiers, running from May 8 to May 18, 2026, will be the largest international cricket tournament ever held in Japan. This stage of the qualification pathway for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will feature nine teams from across the East Asia-Pacific region. For Japan, the tournament represents a chance to showcase its rapid cricket development on home soil.
Matches will be split between Sano International Cricket Ground, the country’s long-established cricket hub, and the newly constructed Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture. Korogi Sports Park’s international debut underscores Japan’s commitment to improving infrastructure, while Sano remains a proven venue for high-level competition.
Tournament Format and Group Stage
The nine participating teams are divided into three groups of three, with the group stage scheduled from May 8 to May 10. The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super Six stage at Sano International Cricket Ground, while the remaining three sides will compete in a tri-series at Korogi Sports Park, ensuring every team plays six matches.
Group 1 features Japan, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Group 2 includes Samoa, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Group 3 comprises Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, and South Korea. Group 1 and 3 fixtures are set for Korogi, while Sano hosts Group 2 matches. A rest day on May 15 will provide teams time to prepare for the Super Six stage, which runs through May 18.
Teams to Watch
Host nation Japan is expected to be one of the tournament favourites, blending homegrown talent with heritage players to field a competitive squad. Japan impressed during the combined Asia–EAP qualifiers in Oman, remaining in contention for qualification deep into the event. Continued investment in grassroots development, youth programs, and facilities means Japan will be looking to maximize home advantage.
Papua New Guinea, the historically dominant Associate team in the region, will be another major contender. PNG has long been the benchmark for regional performance, and the squad will aim to reassert its dominance after mixed results in recent competitions. Samoa and the Philippines could emerge as dark horses. Samoa has previously defeated Papua New Guinea in regional qualifiers, highlighting its growing capabilities, while the Philippines’ silver medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games signal a rising program.
Japan’s Opportunity Beyond Cricket
The qualifiers represent more than on-field competition. For the Japan Cricket Association, hosting a multi-team international event across two venues is an essential step in building organizational experience ahead of the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 World Cup pathway. Alan Curr, Head of Cricket Operations at the JCA, said, “Hosting this tournament will be a major challenge, but it will showcase the highest level of cricket in the East Asia-Pacific region to Japanese fans and raise expectations ahead of the Asian Games.”
Korogi Sports Park’s debut and Sano International Cricket Ground’s continued role demonstrate Japan’s growing capacity to host international events, manage logistics at multiple venues, and deliver professional standards of match operations. These upgrades position Japan as an emerging cricket hub in the region.
The Regional Impact
The 2028 T20 World Cup EAP Qualifiers also highlight the progress of Associate nations across the East Asia-Pacific. The tournament provides vital exposure for emerging teams and competitive matches that help strengthen the region’s cricketing profile. With infrastructure improvements, expanding participation, and international visibility, the qualifiers offer a platform for Japan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Philippines to stake their claims ahead of 2028. The event is a pivotal moment in demonstrating the East Asia-Pacific’s growing influence in global cricket.
The 2028 T20 World Cup EAP Qualifiers promise competitive action, talent development, and a showcase for Japan’s emerging status. With nine teams, two international-standard venues, and an organized format that keeps every side engaged, the tournament is set to leave a lasting mark on regional cricket ahead of the global stage.