[1] Zimbabwe, the winners of the previous three tournaments, had been granted Full membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1992 and so automatically qualified for the World Cup.

All twenty associate members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the time were eligible to compete at the tournament and participated.

Ireland, Namibia, and the United Arab Emirates were making their tournament debuts.

The third-place play-off determined the twelfth and final team at the 1996 World Cup.

The wooden spoon competition was contested by the teams finishing last in each first-round group.