As the schedule for the 2027 Cricket World Cup was announced today, a notable name was missing, with the West Indies not part of the event as things stand. The two-time champions are not among the 10 teams that are guaranteed a spot at the mega event, which will take place from 2nd October to 21st November in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
For those unversed, the top-eight ranked teams (apart from co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe) earned qualification for the event. The deadline for seal qualification was Wednesday (September 30). The West Indies were 10th in the ranking and hence could seal a spot.
While South Africa and Zimbabwe qualified as hosts, Namibia has not been given the same luxury due to them not being a Test-playing nation. Meanwhile, defending champions Australia, alongside India, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, have sealed a spot.
Ireland and West Indies are the only full-member nations who have not qualified yet for the competition.
How Can West Indies Seal Qualification?
Although there is still a chance for West Indies to qualify, they will now play the qualifier, which will take place from 22nd February to 23rd March next year; the venue for this has not been announced yet. Four teams will qualify for the competition from the mega event. Three of these will have to play in the Super Series, where three teams will take part in a round-robin competition to join the remaining 11 teams in the group stage.
However, it is likely that as the highest-ranked team among the ones that come from the qualifier, it is likely that the two-time champions will earn direct qualification to the second round and not have to play the first round.
Also Read: ICC Announces Cricket World Cup 2027 Schedule: Check All Fixtures, Groups, Dates, Timing, Venue
West Indies are hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2023 World Cup, where they missed out on qualification from the qualifiers, with Netherlands and Sri Lanka securing a spot for the 10-team event after eight teams earned direct qualification earlier. The Men in Marron had to play the qualification event to qualify for the 2019 edition too.