A Tough World Cup Test for West Indies

West Indies have once again missed out on direct qualification for next year’s 50 over World Cup. Afghanistan’s impressive victory over Ireland in Belfast strengthened their position in the ICC ODI rankings, pushing West Indies out of the top eight qualification race. Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, along with hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, have secured direct qualification.

West Indies still have a difficult route to the World Cup. They will enter the 10 team ICC World Cup Qualifier alongside Ireland, top performing teams from the CWC League 2 and sides emerging from the Qualifier Play offs. To qualify directly, West Indies must win the qualifier tournament. If they finish between second and fourth, they could get another opportunity through the Super Series play off for the final World Cup spot. The Caribbean side now faces a challenging road to secure its place in the tournament.