Cricket: Afghanistan qualifies for the 2027 World CupAfghanistan has directly qualified for the 2027 50-over One Day World Cup. This forces two-time champion West Indies to play qualifying matches for the third consecutive time, having missed the 2023 tournament. Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, and Bangladesh also secured direct spots. Host South Africa and 11th-ranked Zimbabwe also qualified directly. West Indies, despite being 10th, lost its chance due to Zimbabwe's direct entry.