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How Can West Indies Still Qualify For 2027 ODI World Cup?

Abhinav Tyagi

West Indies cricket - (Source: AFP)West Indies cricket - (Source: AFP)

On Tuesday, August 11, Cricket West Indies dealt a heavy blow as the Men in Maroon failed to earn direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup following Afghanistan's win over Ireland in the 3rd ODI. The two-time World Cup winners have hit a new low as they failed to feature in the 2023 ODI World Cup as well.

For the unversed, the top-eight ranked ODI teams earn direct qualification to the 2027 ODI World Cup. At present, West Indies are ranked 10th on the table. South Africa, who are the hosts, are ranked 4th, which is why Bangladesh, who are 9th on the table, have also earned direct qualification.

West Indies Cannot Qualify for  2027 World Cup via Direct Entry

South Africa’s inclusion in the top 8 means that the team which is placed 9th on the table will also play the ODI World Cup. However, September 31 is the deadline for direct qualification. The Windies will next play an ODI series against India, and winning those games won’t be enough for West Indies to earn direct qualification.

The Windies currently have a 77 rating, while Bangladesh, who are 9th on the table, have an 83 rating. West Indies have witnessed one of the worst declines by any team. The Men in Maroon won the first two World Cups, and they are now struggling to qualify for the World Cup.

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2027 Dates Out, Tournament To Run For 48 Days

However, hopes are still there, and the Windies will have to play the qualifiers for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Therefore, this article will shed light on how the West Indies can still qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

West Indies’ Qualification Scenario for the 2027 ODI World Cup?

At present, 8 teams have qualified through direct entry, while South Africa and Zimbabwe are the hosts. So far, 10 teams have qualified. Notably, 14 teams will play the 2027 ODI World Cup, and there are still four spots available.

Scenario 1

As per the revised 2027 ODI World Cup structure, 10 teams will play the qualifiers. For the qualifiers - 

  • 4 teams will qualify from the Cricket World Cup Leaue 2 qualifiers
  • 4 from the qualifier league
  • 2 are the teams who are ranked 9th and 10th on the table

West Indies and Ireland are the two next-best ranked teams outside the top-eight ranked teams. Hence, for West Indies to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup, they need to win the qualifiers.

Notably, the top-ranked team will earn direct qualification into the 2027 ODI World Cup group stage.

Scenario 2

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th ranked teams will also have a chance, but will have to play the newly-introduced Super-series.

As per ICC’s Super-series, it is part of the 2027 ODI World Cup, where the 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed teams in the upcoming qualifiers will be placed in a single group. The three teams will play against each other, and the top-ranked team will take the 12th and final vacant spot for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Notably, the 12 teams will be divided into two groups of 6 teams. Hence, West Indies have a fair chance to still qualify and make it to the ODI World Cup next year in South Africa.

Also Read: Rashid Khan Heroics Ensure Afghanistan's Direct Qualification For 2027 World Cup