Listen to this article · 2 min ■ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The West Indies will have to compete in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers after Afghanistan’s victory over Ireland mathematically eliminated the two-time champions from automatic qualification. It marks the third consecutive World Cup cycle in which the regional side must navigate the qualifiers. Cricket West Indies President Kishore Shallow acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the team’s recent progress. The setback follows a mixed year for West Indies cricket. Under the current qualification structure, the top four finishers at the 2027 Qualifiers will earn spots in the World Cup.