Jersey will have to chase T20 World Cup glory without one of their brightest stars, as Glamorgan opener Asa Tribe misses out on the squad for the crucial qualifying tournament in Cyprus.
The 22-year-old, who impressed for the England Lions during their winter tour of Australia, has been in fine form this season with three half-centuries in the County Championship for Glamorgan. However, his commitments to the Welsh county clash directly with the qualifiers. While Jersey battles it out in Cyprus, Tribe will be suiting up for Glamorgan's Division One clash against Warwickshire, followed by the start of their T20 Blast campaign.
This isn't the first time Tribe has had to juggle his dual roles. He featured in Jersey's opening match of the final round of qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup last summer before returning to the UK to play for Glamorgan. His absence this time leaves a significant gap in Jersey's batting lineup.
Jersey are one of 10 teams competing in the Europe Sub-regional Qualifier A, which kicks off this weekend. The tournament format sees the islanders face hosts Cyprus, along with Croatia, France, and Switzerland in pool matches. The group winner will then advance to a final against the victor of the other pool, with the ultimate prize being a spot in the final round of European qualifying next year.
While Asa Tribe is missing, his brother Zak is very much part of the 14-strong squad heading to Cyprus. The team, captained by Charles Perchard, is a blend of experience and rising talent. Wellington all-rounder Nick Greenwood is the only other first-class cricketer in the squad, joining seasoned campaigners like Jonty Jenner, Harrison Carlyon, and Ben Ward.
One of the more intriguing storylines is the tournament debut of Scott van Breda. The former Worcester Warriors and Jersey Reds rugby player has transitioned to cricket, earning caps against Guernsey last season and helping Farmers win the European Cricket League in March 2025. His inclusion adds a unique athletic dimension to the side.
Also making a return is bowler Dan Birrell, who impressed in Jersey's warm-up matches against Denmark earlier this month.
Jersey Squad for T20 World Cup Qualifiers: Ben Ward, Charles Perchard (capt), Charlie Brennan, Dan Birrell, Dominic Blampied, George Richardson, Harrison Carlyon, Jonty Jenner, Julius Sumerauer, Nick Greenwood, Patrick Gouge (wk), Scott van Breda, Theo Pullman, Zak Tribe.