West Indies have fallen out of the automatic qualification spots for the 2027 World Cup in the latest ICC rankings, risking another tournament absence.
The latest ICC rankings update came after Bangladesh's victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, where they successfully defended 248 runs in Colombo, powered by Taijul Islam's 5-39 to level the three-match series 1-1 going into the decider. This win lifted Bangladesh by a spot to No. 9 in the men's ODI team rankings.
The rise spells trouble for the West Indies, who dropped to 10th and now sit outside the automatic qualification spots for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Elsewhere in the latest ICC ODI rankings, Sri Lanka dropped one spot to fifth after their loss, with Pakistan swapping places with them. Champions Trophy holders India remain top with a rating of 124. Second-placed Australia and third-placed New Zealand are both tied at 109 rating points.
Also read: Wisden writers predict India’s 2027 World Cup squad
What's the qualification process for the 2027 ODI World Cup?
A total of 14 teams will participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup. South Africa and Zimbabwe will gain direct entry as hosts, while Namibia – despite being another co-host – do not enjoy the same privilege as they are not an ICC Full Member.
The top eight teams (excluding hosts) will qualify based on their ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027. The remaining four spots will be determined through a 10-team qualifier tournament.
As things stand, the West Indies' recent drop to 10th in the rankings has pushed them out of automatic qualification spots. However, they could well rise back up the rankings before the cutoff date for World Cup qualification.
The Men in Maroon will be keen to avoid playing the World Cup Qualifier; they had to do the same in 2023, and were beaten out by Netherlands and Sri Lanka for a spot at the tournament proper.
Updated ICC Men's ODI team rankings
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