T20 WC 2028 Asia Qualifiers: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia top Sub-Regional groups
Synopsis
Saudi Arabia claimed their first-ever ICC tournament title and Kuwait topped their group as both nations advanced from the T20 WC 2028 Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Malaysia. Six teams are now set for the Asia Regional Final in 2027 — with coveted spots at the 2028 Global Qualifier on the line.
Key Takeaways
Kuwait won Sub-Regional Qualifier A and Saudi Arabia won Sub-Regional Qualifier B in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia .
Bahrain , Qatar , Hong Kong, China , and Malaysia also qualified, completing a six-team field for the Asia Regional Final in 2027 .
Adnan Idress (Kuwait) and Virandeep Singh (Malaysia) were named Players of the Tournament for their respective qualifiers.
A total of 13 teams played 36 matches across three venues in Kuala Lumpur.
The six advancing teams will compete for spots in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 Global Qualifier .
Saudi Arabia's win marks their first ICC tournament title , according to captain Waji Ul Hassan .
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers A and B respectively, securing their places at the Asia Regional Final in 2027 and moving a significant step closer to the global showpiece. The two tournaments were held simultaneously across three venues in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
How the Sub-Regional Qualifiers unfolded
Kuwait finished top of Sub-Regional Qualifier A, with Bahrain as runners-up and Qatar in third place. All three nations confirmed their spots at the Asia Regional Final. In Sub-Regional Qualifier B, Saudi Arabia claimed the title ahead of Hong Kong, China in second and hosts Malaysia in third. A combined total of 13 teams contested 36 matches across the Bayuemas Oval, UKM Oval, and STC Oval in Kuala Lumpur.
Players of the Tournament
Kuwait's Adnan Idress was named Player of the Tournament for Sub-Regional Qualifier A, while Malaysia's Virandeep Singh earned the honour for Sub-Regional Qualifier B. Their individual performances were standout contributions in their respective campaigns.
What the captains said
Kuwait captain Mohamed Aslam described the achievement as a landmark for his side: 'Winning the T20 World Cup Qualifier is an incredibly proud moment for all of us. Our success came from clear planning, disciplined preparation, belief in our players, and a strong team culture. We worked hard to build a team that plays fearless, attacking cricket while staying united under pressure. The players deserve immense credit for their commitment and the way they delivered when it mattered most.'
Saudi Arabia captain Waji Ul Hassan called it a historic milestone for cricket in his country: 'It is an incredible feeling and a historic moment for Saudi cricket. Winning our first ICC tournament is a dream come true and a reward for our hard work, dedication, and determination. We are extremely proud to represent Saudi Arabia and bring this achievement home. Most importantly, I am incredibly proud of my teammates, who demonstrated outstanding commitment, unity, and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.'
Road to ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028
The six qualified teams — Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia — will now compete at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Regional Final in 2027, where places in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 Global Qualifier will be at stake. Notably, this is part of the expanded qualification pathway introduced for the 2028 edition, reflecting the ICC's push to broaden cricket's footprint across associate and emerging nations.
Point of View
Built on 'fearless, attacking cricket' per their captain, suggests associate cricket in Asia is narrowing the gap with established Test-playing neighbours. The real test comes at the 2027 Asia Regional Final, where these sides will face stronger opposition; the qualifier win is a credibility marker, not an arrival. The ICC's expanded 2028 pathway is doing its job of widening participation, but the quality benchmark will sharpen considerably from here.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers?
Kuwait won Sub-Regional Qualifier A and Saudi Arabia won Sub-Regional Qualifier B, both held in Malaysia in October 2026. Both teams have advanced to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 Asia Regional Final in 2027.
Which six teams qualified for the Asia Regional Final in 2027?
The six teams that qualified are Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar from Sub-Regional Qualifier A, and Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong China, and Malaysia from Sub-Regional Qualifier B. They will compete for places in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 Global Qualifier.
Who were the Players of the Tournament at the Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers?
Kuwait's Adnan Idress was named Player of the Tournament for Sub-Regional Qualifier A, and Malaysia's Virandeep Singh received the award for Sub-Regional Qualifier B.
What is the significance of Saudi Arabia's win?
According to captain Waji Ul Hassan, it is Saudi Arabia's first-ever ICC tournament title, making it a historic moment for cricket in the country. The team attributed the win to hard work, unity, and determination throughout the tournament.
What happens next for the qualifying teams?
The six teams will participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Regional Final in 2027, where they will compete for spots in the 2028 Global Qualifier and ultimately a place at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028.
