Guernsey T20 World Cup hopes still alive after review

Guernsey Cricket's hopes of qualifying for the Men's T20 World Cup for the first time in their history are still alive after a review by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The islanders thought their campaign had ended in defeat against Jersey in the Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier A final in Cyprus, in May, despite having won all four of their group games.

Advertisement

Under the rules at the time, Guernsey narrowly missed out on progression, but a review of the qualification pathway by the ICC means the island has been awarded a place in the next phase of qualification for the 2028 tournament.

Guernsey Cricket manager Rob Thomson said it was "surreal" news and that his side had "proved" its quality.

"I'm still digesting the announcement," Thomson told BBC Radio Guernsey.

"We went to Cyprus and did really well, but we missed out, and the group having one qualification spot is a brutal format."

Guernsey have only reached this stage of qualification once, in 2024.

Advertisement

The following year they were knocked out by the Netherlands and missed out on a chance to play in the 2026 edition of the competition in India and Sri Lanka.

Thomson said: "It's just the way it is with the numbers and depth of the European cricket at a sub-regional level.

"But I think we proved that there is depth and quality is also here in some of the non-traditional sides."

He added Guernsey "absolutely deserves" to be in the next round.

"We romped through our sub-group, and I think we can certainly go there and target some wins.

"I've watched Denmark, Spain, and Portugal, and on our day we can be better than those sides.

Advertisement

"The cricket we've played over the last few years, and some of the performances that we've put in and the individuals that we've got, I think we we're going to be able to give it a great shot."

Guernsey's qualifying campaign will continue next year as they look to reach the 2028 tournament being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The BBC has contacted the ICC for comment.

Related internet links

Click here to read article