Bermuda could find it even harder to qualify for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup if the world cricket governing body goes ahead with plans to reinstate a Global Qualifier.

At its latest meeting held in Ahmedabad, India, the ICC board endorsed a proposal for the qualification process for Associate members, which would mean Bermuda taking on nations from other regions in a final tournament before making it to the World Cup.

“The ICC Board approved the recommendation to establish a Global Qualifier for ICC Men’s T20 World Cups,” the ICC said.

“Management has been tasked with finalising a competition structure and qualification pathway for a 16-team Global Qualifier.

“This will be presented to the relevant committees for consideration at the next round of ICC meetings.”

One of the reasons the ICC decided to reintroduce the global qualifier is believed to be growing audience interest in Associate cricket.

While matches involving Associate nations once attracted viewership figures that were much lower than those featuring Full Members, indications are that the gap has significantly closed.

Bermuda last qualified for the Global Qualifier in 2019, when they finished thirteenth of the 14 teams in the United Arab Emirates in 2019.

They made it to that stage with Canada after the two teams emerged from the 2018 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final, which was hosted on island.

In 2023, Bermuda came agonisingly close to qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup through the regional qualifiers. With the United States out of the qualification process as co-hosts with West Indies, Niraj Odedra’s side only had Canada to worry about.

While they defeated Canada by 86 runs in the opening match at White Hill Field, Bermuda fell short by 39 runs at North Field, National Sports Centre, in the decisive encounter, with the Canadians securing the Americas ticket to the World Cup.

Last year, Bermuda again lost out to Canada in trying to qualify for the 2026 tournament.

Canada has had its membership suspended by the ICC. However, the team will still be allowed to compete internationally while Cricket Canada remains on suspension.

“The ICC Board resolved to suspend Cricket Canada from ICC membership with immediate effect due to serious breaches of its membership obligations,” the ICC said.

“In taking this decision, the ICC Board was mindful of the importance of protecting the interests of Canadian players and ensuring they are not disadvantaged by the governance issues affecting the national governing body.

“Accordingly, Canadian national representative teams will continue to be eligible to participate in ICC events during the period of suspension.

“To support the continued participation and development of the national teams, Cricket Canada will be permitted to access ICC funding through a controlled funding mechanism, under the oversight of ICC management, solely for approved national team programmes.

“The ICC will also provide Cricket Canada with a set of reinstatement conditions aimed at addressing the governance and administrative issues identified by the Board.

“The progress against these conditions will be monitored by the ICC Normalisation Committee, supported by ICC management, with reinstatement of membership subject to the board being satisfied that the conditions have been fully met.”