DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced the dates of the World Cup 2027 qualifiers, set to be held from 22 February to 23 March 2027.
The global cricket governing body has yet to decide the venues for the 10-team tournament.
The qualifying event will feature the two Full Member nations at the bottom of the ODI rankings as of September 30. These two teams will be joined by the top four teams from the Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWC League 2) and the top four teams from the World Cup Qualifier Playoff.
The bottom four teams from League 2, alongside four teams from the Challenge League — cricket’s third-tier competition — will compete in the World Cup Qualifiers playoffs.
Last month, the ICC announced the revamped structure of the World Cup 2027. Under the new format, the winner of the 10-team Qualifier will secure direct qualification for the 14-team marquee tournament.
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The teams finishing in second, third, and fourth place in the Qualifier will advance to the first stage of the World Cup — the Super Series — with the top team qualifying for the main 12-team stage.
For those unaware, the World Cup will be staged across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The World Cup will be held in 12 venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 21.
West Indies are currently ranked 10th in the ODI rankings and are scheduled to play only two more ODIs before the September 30 cut-off, both against India in September. The outcome of those matches, along with the upcoming ODI series between Afghanistan (ranked 8th) and Ireland (12th), could determine their qualification fate.
If Ireland defeat Afghanistan 4-1 or 5-0, two victories for West Indies against India could be enough to lift them into the top eight. However, if Afghanistan win the series, West Indies will be all but certain to qualify automatically.
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