Cricinfo – Two-time men’s ODI World Cup champions West Indies will have to go through a qualifying tournament to make it to the 2027 showpiece.

The top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings on September 30 this year – excluding two of the hosts, South Africa and Zimbabwe – will gain automatic qualification to the World Cup. Afghanistan secured themselves within that bracket after their thrilling win over Ireland in Belfast. They will join defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Although West Indies – ranked 10th – have two ODIs against India inside the cut-off date, even two wins still wouldn’t push them back into contention. That means they once again have to go through the grind of the Qualifier, being held in February next year, to have a shot at the title.