2012–2016 The regional qualification phase comprised of one or more divisions depending on the ICC region and were played in various formats. The stipulated number of teams advanced to the global qualifier. Top teams (Teams that participated in the T20 World Cup or global qualifiers were given bye for regional phase in the following cycle and directly played in the global qualifier) along with teams advancing from the regional phase played in the global qualifier.
2021–present The regional qualifiers for each ICC region are held in two stages: •
Sub-regional qualifiers: This stage comprises of one or more tournaments depending on the ICC region. Matches are held in either single
round-robin or double round-robin format and sometimes includes
group stage and
knockout stage or
playoffs formats as well. The stipulated number of teams advance into the next stage. •
Regional final: Top teams (Teams that participated in the T20 World Cup or global qualifiers are given bye for the sub-regional stage in the following cycle and directly play in the regional finals) unable to earn
direct qualification along with teams advancing from the sub-regional qualifier take part in this stage. Matches are held in either single round-robin or double round-robin format and sometimes includes group stage and knockout stage or playoffs formats as well. The stipulated number of teams advance to the global qualifier (until 2022) and the T20 World Cup (since 2024). == Qualification spots ==