India, Aug. 11 -- Two-time ODI World Cup winners West Indies have once again missed direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup and will instead have to go through the Qualifier. It will be their third straight appearance in the qualifying tournament. They made it through in 2019 but failed to qualify in 2023.

The top eight teams in the ICC ODI Rankings on September 30, 2026, will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup, and that excludes the two host nations -- South Africa and Zimbabwe. However, with Afghanistan securing a place in that bracket after a win against Ireland on Monday in Belfast, West Indies will miss out on the spot.

Afghanistan, hence, will join the likes of defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakis...