ISLAMABAD: In the latest annual update to the ICC men’s ODI team rankings, England have dropped to eighth place — a development that could impact their chances of direct qualification for the World Cup 2027.
While ICC rankings adjust after each match or series, the annual update significantly reduces the weight of results over a year old and disregards those over three years old.
This year’s update, released on Tuesday (5 May), saw England rise to second in the Test rankings but slump to eighth in ODIs following a poor 12 months.
Between 4 May 2024 and 4 May 2025, they managed just three wins from 14 ODIs — a win/loss ratio of 0.272, worse only than Nepal and Bangladesh.
For the 2027 World Cup, 14 teams will compete. South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their places as hosts.
Although Namibia will co-host, only ICC Full Members receive automatic entry. The top eight ODI teams as of 31 March 2027 — excluding hosts — will qualify directly.
Eight qualifiers
As things stand, the eight direct qualifiers would be India, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, England, and the West Indies.
The next two highest-ranked teams, currently Bangladesh and Ireland, would compete in the 10-team qualifying tournament for the remaining four spots.
England’s current rating is 84 — just one point ahead of ninth-placed West Indies. The two sides are due to meet in a three-match ODI series later this month.
A poor showing by England could see them overtaken, pushing them closer to the Qualifier zone. If they were to fall to 10th by the cut-off date, they would be forced into the qualification tournament.
While England would still be expected to qualify, the risk of missing out, as the West Indies did in 2023, cannot be ruled out.
Newly appointed white-ball captain Harry Brook will be under pressure to guide the side clear of such danger.
