WCL

The World Cricket League (WCL) was more than just a tournament—it was the international stage where dreams began for many Associate and Affiliate nations. Launched by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2007, the WCL offered a structured and competitive pathway for teams outside the Test-playing elite to rise through the ranks, gain experience, and ultimately compete for spots in the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Whether it was Afghanistan’s meteoric rise, Nepal’s emotional journey, or Ireland’s path to Test status, the WCL laid the foundation for their success. This tag page on The Cricket Scores brings you a deep dive into the league’s structure, iconic performances, historical results, and its transformation into the current ICC qualification system.

WCL Format and Structure

The WCL was structured like a global league system, with eight divisions at its peak. Each division hosted a standalone tournament, typically involving 6 to 8 teams in a round-robin format followed by playoffs.

Division Breakdown:

• Division One: Elite Associate teams like Ireland, Netherlands, and Scotland
• Divisions Two to Eight: Hosted teams based on performance and ranking
• Promotion & Relegation: Teams moved up or down based on results
• World Cup Link: Top divisions had a direct path to ICC World Cup Qualifiers

This system allowed even lower-tier nations to rise gradually based on merit, not market size or ICC politics—a rare trait in international sports.

The Transition to the New ICC Structure

In 2019, the ICC phased out the WCL and introduced a new structure to streamline qualification:

• ICC Cricket World Cup Super League
• ICC Cricket World Cup League 2
• ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League

These now serve as the primary route to World Cup qualification for Associates, with League 2 and Challenge League continuing the work that WCL began—offering more regular, meaningful international cricket for developing nations.

Teams That Rose Through the WCL

Many of today’s strong Associate and new full-member teams were forged in the fire of WCL battles. Here are some of the most inspiring journeys:

These stories are testaments to how impactful the WCL was in shaping international cricket beyond the traditional Test arena.

Memorable Players and Moments

Though it didn’t receive mainstream media coverage, the WCL produced unforgettable moments and standout players who went on to shine on larger stages.

• Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan) – Powerhouse opener and top run-getter across WCL editions
• Paras Khadka (Nepal) – Captained Nepal through all tiers to ODI status
• Bas Zuiderent (Netherlands) – A steady performer and backbone of the Dutch squad
• Ireland vs Scotland – Rivalry that always delivered close, high-stakes encounters

These weren’t just matches—they were defining moments in the cricketing stories of entire nations.

Final WCL Champions Before the Transition

After 2019, the ICC’s new league system took over the qualification roadmap for Associate teams.

Why the WCL Still Matters

Even though it’s no longer active, the legacy of the WCL is undeniable. It gave global exposure to players from countries often overlooked by mainstream cricket, inspired fans in nations without Test status, and created success stories that transformed the global cricket landscape.

Most importantly, it proved that talent exists everywhere, and with the right platform, even small nations can challenge the best in the world.

Follow WCL Stories on The Cricket Scores

At The Cricket Scores, we honor the WCL’s contribution by keeping its history alive:

• Detailed scorecards & archives
• Legacy player features
• WCL-based trivia & milestones
• Coverage of successor leagues (CWC League 2, Challenge League)

Explore how the WCL helped shape the future of world cricket—and stay tuned for the next big stories emerging from its legacy.