Two-time ODI World Cup winners West Indies were once again unable to qualify directly for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup after failing to qualify directly for the 2027 edition.
In order to secure a spot in the men’s 50-over mega event, which will take place over 12 locations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia next year (October-November 2027), the Men in Maroon will now need to qualify.
Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 92 runs in the rain-soaked second ODI of their five-match series at Bready Cricket Club on Friday, August 7, meaning the West Indies were not directly qualified. Afghanistan was able to guarantee a direct spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup thanks to the victory.
WI Miss Direct Qualification For Third Consecutive Time
Additionally, the West Indies were unable to qualify directly for the ODI World Cups in 2019 and 2023. They made it through the 2019 qualifiers, but they lost badly in the 2023 ODI World Cup qualifiers and were unable to go to the main event in India.
Co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe will automatically qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup, according to the qualification rules. The next seven direct qualification positions will be decided by the ICC ODI rankings, with a deadline of September 30, 2026.
According to the ICC ODI team rankings, West Indies is now ranked tenth, Afghanistan is eighth, Bangladesh is ninth, and Zimbabwe is eleventh. The top nine teams in the standings will immediately qualify, tho, as Zimbabwe has an automatic spot as co-hosts. West Indies cannot place in the top nine before the September 30 cut-off date.
Windies To Face India Next
The opening two of the West Indies’ three-match ODI series against India are slated to take place at Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 and Guwahati on September 30, respectively. Even if West Indies wins both games against India, they will not be able to directly qualify and move into the top nine.
Ireland must participate in the ODI World Cup 2027 qualifications alongside the West Indies. The Irish team’s hopes were severely damaged after the series opener in Bready on Wednesday (August 5) was cancelled due to the weather. The Irish team needed to win their home series against Afghanistan 5-0 to stay in the direct qualification competition.