West Indies are in danger of missing direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The two-time ODI World Cup champions failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup after struggling in the qualifiers. They will have to once again play the qualifiers should they fail to earn direct qualification. Under the ICC rules, the top eight teams on September 30, 2026, will directly qualify for the World Cup. WI are in the 10th position at present. They are scheduled to play only two more ODIs before the cut-off date.
Shai Hope-led WI will have to make sure that they defeat India in both games. They also need support from Ireland. The Irish team is hosting Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series.
A 5-0 or 4-1 win for Ireland can help WI stay in contention to earn direct qualification. The first ODI of the series was washed out due to rain. Afghanistan are the eighth-placed team in the ICC ODI rankings while Ireland are in the 12th position. They are confirmed to be part of the qualifiers. Afghanistan, who punched above their weight at the 2023 WC, are the favourites to secure a direct entry. The 2027 ODI World Cup qualifier will be played in February-March.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in October-November 2027. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will jointly co-host the tournament. The 14th edition of the tournament will be a 14-team event.
West Indies’ next ODI series
West Indies will make their return to ODI cricket in September. They will travel to India for three ODIs and five T20Is. The three ODIs will be played on September 27, 30 and October 3 in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh, respectively.
The five T20Is will be held on October 6, 9, 11, 14 and 17 in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, respectively. WI are currently hosting Pakistan in a two-match Test series.