“This decision is a critical step forward to the ICC’s aim of having more competitive teams in international cricket”

Image courtesy of: Cricket Ireland

Ireland and Afghanistan have the chance to gain direct qualification for the 2019 World Cup since both nations have been added to the ODI rankings table.

If Ireland or Afghanistan are among the top-eight ODI sides on September 30, 2017, they will automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

However, should they occupy a lower spot on the rankings, they will be forced to square off against each other and two other teams in a qualification tournament.

“Both Afghanistan and Ireland have excelled on and off the field in recent years, and this decision is a critical step forward to the ICC’s aim of having more competitive teams in international cricket,” International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson said. “The decision also provides even greater context to One-Day International cricket, and provides a fully meritocratic pathway into ICC’s Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy events.”

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom added: “We are absolutely delighted with the opportunity to qualify directly to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Ireland has worked very hard over recent years to prove itself as the leading Associate side and has beaten a number of Full Members over the years.

“We are confident that we can now accelerate our progress as part of this qualification structure with the Full Members, while this is also an excellent boost as we put our finishing touches on our preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.”