ICC launches Men's Cricket World Cup Super League

[MenInG]

The International Cricket Council has today, Monday, 27 July 2020, officially launched the inaugural ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League. Getting underway on 30 July 2020 in Southampton, the Super League will begin with a series between world champions England and Ireland.

Introduced to bring context to One-Day International (ODI) cricket, the Super League will determine qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with the top seven teams automatically booking their spot at the event in India.

Featuring 13 teams, the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket Super League 2015-17, the Super League will see each side play four home and four away three match series.

Commenting on the launch, Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager - Cricket Operations, said, “We are delighted to get the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League underway with World Cup winners England against Ireland.

“The league will bring relevance and context to ODI cricket over the next three years, as qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is at stake. The Super League gives cricket fans around the world even more reasons to watch as the drama of league cricket unfolds.”

“The decision last week to move the World Cup back to late 2023 gives us more time to schedule any games lost due to COVID-19 and preserve the integrity of the qualification process, meaning it will be decided on the field of play, which is important.”

Eoin Morgan, England captain, said: “We’re looking forward to playing cricket again and to the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League. Given the situation, it will be quite different to the last time we played at home, when we lifted the World Cup at Lord’s, but it’s nice to be starting our journey for the next edition of the tournament.

“I’m sure cricket fans all over the world will be excited to see white-ball cricket resume and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“Ireland are a talented team who have shown over the years that they can beat the best on their day. We look forward to what promises to be an interesting series.”

Andrew Balbirnie, Ireland captain, said: “It’s a privilege to be playing in the inaugural series of the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League. It is obviously going to be a huge challenge taking on the team that won the World Cup just a year ago but we have prepared well and have taken confidence from our form over the early months of 2020.”

“What is important is that we are getting back on the field. I hope international cricket’s return is steady during these challenging times.

“I look forward to the Irish side putting on a good performance in the upcoming series as we start our campaign for World Cup qualification.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1743111

 

[SensiblePakFan]

About time this happened, tested it in the Womens game and finally being applied to the mens teams.

Refer to this for more detail:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020–22_ICC_Cricket_World_Cup_Super_League

 

[shah_1]

Best thing ICC has done ever to bring more context to ODIs, the format is lot better(not ideal) than test championship. Equal number of matches played and smaller nations will get to play top teams more ofthen

 

[King_Kohli]

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League will get underway from England Vs Ireland series. This will determine qualification for 2023WC with top 7 teams already booked their spots. It'll feature 12 full ICC members with Netherlands, each team will have 4 A/H 3 match series.

 

[King_Kohli]

All the front foot no balls in the ICC Super League starting with England Vs Ireland series will now be monitored officially by the 3rd Umpire.

 

[shah_1]

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League will get underway from England Vs Ireland series. This will determine qualification for 2023WC with top 7 teams already booked their spots. It'll feature 12 full ICC members with Netherlands, each team will have 4 A/H 3 match series.

I think India has already qualified

 

[Indiafan]

I think India has already qualified

Yes, it's top 7 teams+host India (so 8 out of 10 spots will be filled). The ones who dont make the top 7 will then need to play qualifying league for remaining 2 spots

 

[Markhor]

All the front foot no balls in the ICC Super League starting with England Vs Ireland series will now be monitored officially by the 3rd Umpire.

Great move that should've been implemented a while ago.

This league will help provide much needed context to the international calendar. Fed up of meaningless 5 match ODI series.

 

[TeymurBlake]

About time tbh.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

About time this happened.

 

[shaz619]

Great move that should've been implemented a while ago.

This league will help provide much needed context to the international calendar. Fed up of meaningless 5 match ODI series.

In which regard is there context ? considering 8 teams have already qualified ? wouldn't it be better (maybe not for Pakistan) if every team had to qualify via the super league format apart from the world cup host

 

[King_Kohli]

India going to play just 8 ODI series in the next 3 years because of the ODI super League.
I am feeling very sad, kohli will miss many matches, expecting him to break many records.
I hope BCCI will conduct few more bilateral series in between.

Already Kohli missed many milestones this year
He would have completed 12k ODI runs and 3k t20 runs.

 

[King_Kohli]

Each Team will play 4 Home and 4 Away ODI series -3 Match each series'.

India away series in SL , ZIM, NZ , AUS
India home series with AFG , ENG , SA , WI

 

[King_Kohli]

ICC ODI Super League schedule

1 May 2020- 31 March 2022

 

[sweep_shot]

Very good decision. It should make bilateral ODI games more meaningful.

 

[TrentDevil]

India going to play just 8 ODI series in the next 3 years because of the ODI super League.
I am feeling very sad, kohli will miss many matches, expecting him to break many records.
I hope BCCI will conduct few more bilateral series in between.

Already Kohli missed many milestones this year
He would have completed 12k ODI runs and 3k t20 runs.

Only 8 series will be part of the ODI Super League, teams can play more games/series as well just like Eng played NZ in a Test series outside of WTC

 

[Gotham Cronie]

So Pakistan doesn't play India, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh? Weird.

 

[MenInG]

England's bid to take the eight wickets they need to win the third Test against the West Indies, and with it the series, were frustrated by Manchester rain that washed out the entirety of the fourth day.

Stuart Broad will seek the one wicket he needs to become just the fourth seam bowler – and seventh man overall – to reach 500 Test wickets with an improved forecast for the fifth day at Old Trafford.

While England and the West Indies put their feet up, the England and Wales Cricket Board was busy whittling down its 24-man ODI training group to a 14-man squad to face Ireland later this week, with white-ball games against Pakistan and Australia to follow.

That saw last summer's Adelaide Strikers big-hitter Phil Salt ignored by England despite his 58-ball century in a practice match last Sunday, while Perth Scorchers import Liam Livingstone and Melbourne Renegades bowler Richard Gleeson were named as 'reserves' to the 14-man party.

Reece Topley, the towering 26-year-old left-arm quick who has struggled with back stress fractures, is in line to play his first ODI in more than four years after being selected.

And David Willey – another ex-Scorchers star – has returned to the squad after missing out on England's World Cup squad last summer.

The ODI group will be without England's Test players Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Joe Root, as well as bowlers Chris Woakes and Mark Wood who remain on Test duty with matches against Pakistan to come, but are expected to return to the format in time for Australia's yet-to-be-confirmed visit in September.

Joe Denly, who was discarded from England's Test team, joined the limited-overs squad instead, and has been included in the squad to face Ireland, which also includes World Cup winners Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Curran, Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy and James Vince.

The three-match ODI series between England and Ireland will mark the beginning of the ICC's ODI Super League, a points table that will run in conjunction with bilateral ODI series and will determine qualification for the next ODI World Cup, to be played in October 2023 in India.

It emerged overnight that third umpires would now have the responsibility for calling front-foot no balls in all ODI and T20 international cricket using television match footage.

The ICC first trialled the process in 2016 and it was used successfully throughout the women's T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year.

"Certainly there is the importance of the free hit in white-ball cricket, and getting no-balls called accurately," said Geoff Allardice, the ICC's general manager cricket operations.

"That is considered to be an important feature. The Cricket Committee has recommended that and it's in the playing conditions for the World Cup Super League."

On-field umpires will still be responsible for calling no-balls based on height and will continue to call front-foot no-balls in Test cricket for the remainder of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

That is due to see a final played in June 2021, but that may yet be pushed back given the glut of fixtures that have had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are currently in discussion with members in what their plans are around rescheduling their queue," Allardice said.

"Obviously there are teams which have rescheduled them as quickly as possible and depending on how many of them could be rescheduled within the available time window, that will give us a better view on the most appropriate timing for the final.

"But at this stage the final is scheduled for June 2021. But we are working with the members on that, to understand their rescheduling of the series that are postponed already."

Australia's postponed two-Test tour of Bangladesh was part of the WTC cycle, and it remains to be seen when that can be played.

Australia faces a busy home summer with a four-Test series against India – the top two ranked sides on the WTC points table – while the ICC's Future Tours Program lists a tour of South Africa next February-March before the players' annual leave period.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, who have been in training in Derby in northern England, have narrowed down their 29-member touring party to a 20-man Test squad for their three-match series with England that is due to start on August 5.

Veteran pair Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former skipper, have both been included, as has Fawad Alam, whose last Test appearance came in 2009.

Pakistan's practice matches were dogged by poor weather, and poor batting with no player able to reach fifty in their most recent outing.

The 36-year-old veteran seamer Sohail Khan, whose last Test was the 2016 Boxing Day match in Australia, was the best of the bowlers with 5-37, while teenager Nassem Shah, who made his debut in Australia last summer, also impressed.

England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Joe Denly, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey. Reserves: Richard Gleeson, Lewis Gregory, Liam Livingstone.

Ireland ODI squad: Mark Adair, Andy Balbirnie (c), Curtis Campher, Peter Chase, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Jonathan Garth, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Kevin O'Brien, William Porterfield, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

Pakistan Test squad: Azhar Ali (c), Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan Sr, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/eng...our-news-squads-world-super-league/2020-07-28

 

[MenInG]

Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes the ICC ODI Super league is “incredibly complex” and the game’s governing body should have come up with “a bit more straightforward” qualification system for the 2023 World Cup in India.

The ICC on Monday launched the ODI Super League which will determine qualification for the men’s World Cup in 2023. The top seven teams from the league will automatically book their spot at the event in India.

The competition begins with a series between world champion England and Ireland from July 30.

“There is always logic in everything that happens, but what tends to happen is that it’s incredibly complex because what you’re trying to do is fit two systems together,” Atherton said on Sky Sports Cricket.

“You’ve got the ICC global events — World Cup, World T20, and what was the Champions Trophy — and you’re trying to marry that with the usual bilateral series in what’s called the Future Tours Programme where every team plays against each other.

“Trying to mix those two together is incredibly difficult, and you end up with this.”

Featuring 13 teams, the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, which qualified by winning the World Cricket Super League 2015-17, the Super League will see each side play four home and four away three-match series.

Each team gets 10 points for a win, five for a tie/no result/abandonment and none for a loss. They will be ranked according to total points earned across the eight series and criteria are in place to separate two or more teams on equal points.

The 52-year-old former batsman, who scored 7728 runs in 115 Tests for England, said a less complex system would have been easier for the public to understand.

“Try explaining this to the man on the street, try explaining the World Test Championship to the man on the street, which we find it hard enough to understand and we work in the damn game, and then try explaining that to the man on the street,” he said.

“What you’ve really got to try and get is something that’s less complex and a bit more straightforward in order for people to understand.”

Former England captain Andrew Strauss, who sits on the ICC’s cricket committee, however, said it is impossible to get a more straight forward system and the governing body is criticised no matter what it does.

“It makes complete sense to try and find something more straightforward but it’s not possible,” he said.

“We all talk about meaningless bilateral cricket that doesn’t have any context, and then the ICC try and put together the World Test Championship and everyone goes ‘the points system is too complicated’ and then they try the Super League and they say ‘Why are they doing that?’

“They’re damned if they do, they’re damned if they don’t.”

The ICC had drawn criticism from players such as New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson who felt the points system is not fair, while India captain Virat Kohli had said that overseas wins should be rewarded more in the WTC.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...m-difficult-to-understand/article32210725.ece

 

[MenInG]

Explainer: ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League

All you need to know

When England host Ireland for three ODIs starting 30 July, it will mark the start of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League. What is the tournament all about? We break it down for you.

What is the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League?

The Super League is a brand new ODI competition, which takes place across two years and aims to raise the stakes of bilateral 50-over games. In its first edition, the Super League will help decide which teams feature in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

How many teams are involved?

Thirteen teams are taking part in this competition. These are the 12 Full Member nations, along with the Netherlands.

There was exhilaration and excitement as the world welcomed its newest ODI member. The Netherlands dominated the ICC World Cricket League Championship, winning 10 out of its 14 games to claim the 13th position in the league. This means that it will now play 24 ODIs against Full Members from 2020-22 for 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup qualification. Having lost ODI status three years ago, this marks a big leap forward for Dutch cricket.

What does the new tournament mean for the World Cup?

The CWC Super League is an important tournament for teams on the #RoadTo2023.

It all depends on where the teams finish on the Super League points table. India, who are the hosts in 2023, and the other top seven teams will qualify automatically for the World Cup. The bottom five teams will play a qualifying tournament, which will also feature the best teams from the lower rungs of competition.

If you think of it like steps, with the World Cup right on top, Super League is the level right below that, followed by CWC League 2 and CWC Challenge League.

Since each point matters, there will be no dead rubbers and teams will always have to be at their very best.

How does it work?

Each team in the Super League plays three ODIs against eight other teams. Four of these are home series and four are away series. This means each team plays a total of 24 ODIs that will be earn them points on the #RoadTo2023.

An added benefit is that teams just outside of the top 10 in the current rankings have more chances to play more ODIs against the top teams, helping them improve their levels as well.

But not everyone plays everyone?

That's right. The Super League works within the parameters of the existing Future Tours Programme (FTP) between Members. In this aspect, this league too is like the World Test Championship.

How does the points system work?

Each team gets 10 points for a win, five for a tie/ no result/ abandoned match, and zero for a loss.

Are there other tweaks to the playing conditions?

The ICC have announced that all front-foot no-balls will be called by the third umpire. Teams will also have points deducted for slow over-rates. You can find the detailed playing conditions here.

Do all ODIs now come under the Super League?

No. Teams will also play bilateral ODIs between each other outside of the Super League. In some cases, they may play say four or five matches in a series, but only three pre-decided matches will count for Super League points.

And all ODIs will continue to count towards MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings.

Anything else one should know?

The Super League was scheduled to start on 1 May 2020 and conclude on 31 March 2022. However, the global pandemic has forced some series, including the Netherlands v Pakistan matches in July, to be postponed. Some fixtures are under discussion. Keep an eye on the Future Tours Programme and icc-cricket.com for updates!

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1744528

 

[Firebat]

ICC Men's CWC Challenge League A postponed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has today announced the postponement of the second event of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The second of three Challenge League A events which form part of the pathway to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 was rescheduled from March and was due to take place between 30 September and 10 October in Malaysia.

As part of the ICC’s comprehensive contingency planning process across all ICC events and after consultation with Members and with the relevant government and public health authorities, the decision has been taken to postpone the fixtures.

Canada, Denmark, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, Vanuatu were due to play 15 List A matches aiming to gain points and places in the Challenge League A table. Canada currently top the table ahead of Singapore on net run rate, with both teams on eight points. At the completion of the Challenge League A fixtures, the top team will qualify for the Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off. For more information on qualifying for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 click here.

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We have decided to postpone the second series of the ICC Men’s CWC Challenge League A that was due to take place in Malaysia next month. The ICC’s priority continues to be to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community. As a result of this we have fully assessed the situation in partnership with the Malaysia Cricket Association and participating Members with ongoing international travel restrictions, global health concerns still prominent and on government and public health authority advice in relation to COVID-19 we have decided to postpone the event.

“With the additional time giving to us due to the rescheduling of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to October and November of 2023, we will now work with hosts and participating Members to find an appropriate window where the qualification pathway fixtures can be safely and practically rescheduled.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1775687

 

[MenInG]

Cup Super League, completing a 2-1 series win over England in Manchester on Wednesday.

The five-time World champions made a strong start to their campaign for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 by winning their series against the defending champions. The top seven teams from the Super League and hosts India book direct spots for the 2023 World Cup.

England lead the points table with 30 points but are the only team to have played two series, winning 2-1 at home against Ireland in the opening series of the Super League, which has been introduced to bring context to ODI cricket.

Featuring 13 teams, the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17, the Super League will see each side play four home and four away three-match series. The sides failing to qualify directly for the World Cup will get a second shot through a Qualifier.

Teams get 10 points for a win, five for a tie/no result/abandonment and none for a loss.
Teams will be ranked according to total points earned across the eight series.

 

[tyron_woodley]

about time. Odi rankings ought to be mean something. But what happens when you end up in the number 1 spot at the end of the cycle? Does the number 1 ranked team win a trophy? It still won't be equivalent to winning a World cup.

it's like winning epl vs winning the champions trophy (aka world cup and tests).

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan get 20 Super League points and Zimbabwe 10

Zimbabwe’s Super Over win in the final ODI of the three-match series in Pakistan helped them open their account with 10 points even as the home side finished with 20 in the points table, the same as Australia.


England lead with 30 points, having featured in both previous series of the championship. They won 2-1 at home against Ireland and lost by the same margin to Australia in earlier series of the Super League, introduced to bring context to ODI cricket and to confirm the top seven teams with direct spots for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 along with hosts India.

Featuring 13 teams, the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17, the Super League will see sides play eight three-match series each, four at home and four away. The sides failing to qualify directly will get a second shot through a Qualifier.
Each team gets 10 points for a win, five for a tie/no result/abandonment and none for a loss. Teams will be ranked according to total points earned across the eight series.

 

[deep82]

I think this league is useless for Indian fans because they are host in 2023.

Waste of time watching these useless 3 match ODI series for us.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

We've already seen why this is a fantastic idea. Not perfect (won't be until its a straight up 12 series each affair) but its a fantastic idea and already produced some great games.

Also showing how the gap between sides may not be as massive as expected with Ireland and Zimbabwe both notching away points at the first attempt.

Long may it continue. I'm convinced this will cause most players and teams to up their performance levels too knowing WC qualification is actually on the line, and for Pak/ZIm/SL etc sides there's a genuine need for points, while the lower ranked sides may aim to sneak 8th or just aim for top ten. Loving it!

 

[aloo paratha]

We've already seen why this is a fantastic idea. Not perfect (won't be until its a straight up 12 series each affair) but its a fantastic idea and already produced some great games.

Also showing how the gap between sides may not be as massive as expected with Ireland and Zimbabwe both notching away points at the first attempt.

Long may it continue. I'm convinced this will cause most players and teams to up their performance levels too knowing WC qualification is actually on the line, and for Pak/ZIm/SL etc sides there's a genuine need for points, while the lower ranked sides may aim to sneak 8th or just aim for top ten. Loving it!

Yep it's great. I'd love a 14 or 16 team World Cup, but if we think about it, this is a lot more beneficial. The 14 team World Cup still only gave the lower teams a guaranteed 6 games, this format guarantees 24 games, and a lot of them against top teams which would otherwise just ignore them, or play one off games when they tour a close nation. I do wish we could've had both though.

 

[Titan24]

We've already seen why this is a fantastic idea. Not perfect (won't be until its a straight up 12 series each affair) but its a fantastic idea and already produced some great games.

Also showing how the gap between sides may not be as massive as expected with Ireland and Zimbabwe both notching away points at the first attempt.

Long may it continue. I'm convinced this will cause most players and teams to up their performance levels too knowing WC qualification is actually on the line, and for Pak/ZIm/SL etc sides there's a genuine need for points, while the lower ranked sides may aim to sneak 8th or just aim for top ten. Loving it!

Exactly. With this concept every team gets an opportunity to perform with much more motivation than before as it can result in direct qualification.

 

[The Viper]

Commonwealth Games qualification process announced

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the qualification process for cricket, which makes a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 28 July to 8 August.

Birmingham 2022 spots for hosts and six other top-ranked sides, a qualifying tournament to decide final spot in eight-team competition

In what is seen as a huge opportunity to turbo-charge the growth of the game, and take it to new fans, women’s cricket will be a part of the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever, and it will only be the second time that cricket will feature in it after a men’s competition was part of the Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

The qualification process announced on Wednesday grants hosts England one spot while six other highest ranked ICC Members in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of 1 April 2021 also qualify directly for the eight-team tournament, which will be held in a city that has an iconic cricket venue in Edgbaston.

The remaining place will be allocated to the winner of a Commonwealth Games Qualifier, the format and details of which will be announced in due course. The deadline for the Qualifier is 31 January 2022.

Hosts England have been granted one spot at the Commonwealth Games

Since athletes from the Caribbean will be representing their countries and not the West Indies (as they are affiliated with the ICC), the winner of a designated qualifying tournament will decide which country gets to compete if the West Indies get a slot.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin and ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney emphasized on the potential of cricket in the Commonwealth Games while captains of leading teams said they were thrilled at the prospect of women’s cricket featuring in the Games.

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: "Cricket at the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to grow the women’s game globally. We are committed to accelerating this growth and maintaining the momentum we have created over the past few years, which most recently saw 86,174 fans packed into the MCG for the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.

"I thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their support and for making this possible. We share with them the vision of greater equality, fairness and opportunity in sport and I am sure Birmingham 2022 will go a long way towards us achieving our common objectives."

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin: "We are absolutely delighted to have women’s T20 cricket debut at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"Cricket has always been one of the Commonwealth’s most popular sports and it is so special to have it back at our Games for the first time since the men’s competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998, where true greats of the game including Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Sachin Tendulkar were on show. Now is the turn of the women and I can’t wait to see the next generation of stars like Heather Knight, Harmanpreet Kaur and Meg Lanning take centre stage.

"Birmingham 2022 will be a fantastic showcase for the women’s game and the unveiling of the qualification criteria today is an exciting and important milestone as we head towards what will be a spectacular competition at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium."

"Cricket has always been one of the Commonwealth’s most popular sports and it is so special to have it back at our Games" – Louise Martin

ICC Women’s Cricket Manager Holly Colvin: "We have worked closely with the CGF and ICC Members over the last year to confirm the qualification process. It’s fantastic that we are supporting opportunities for a Caribbean island and Commonwealth countries ranked outside the top seven to have the chance to qualify for this momentous event.

"It is a watershed moment for our sport as women’s cricket takes centre stage for the first time at the Commonwealth Games. It is a huge opportunity to show the skills, strength and talent of these female athletes to sports fans across the Commonwealth and attract a new audience to continue to break boundaries for a bright future.

"It is hugely exciting for cricket to be a central part of the sports programme where more medals are awarded to female athletes. Cricket will be staged in the heart of Birmingham, which is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong passion for cricket. We expect nothing less from the crowd supporting the women’s teams at Edgbaston."

England captain Heather Knight: "It’s incredibly exciting that we’re going to be taking part in the Commonwealth Games on home soil. It’s an event I’ve often watched and I never really imagined I’d be taking part so it feels really special.

"It’s another fantastic opportunity for the game of cricket, with coverage live on the BBC, and the chance to reach the thousands of fans who like attending multi-discipline events.

"We can’t wait to be in Birmingham amongst all the other athletes, and we’re counting down towards 2022 – it’s going to be a huge year for us and for women’s cricket in general."

We can’t wait to be in Birmingham amongst all the other athletes, and we’re counting down towards 2022 – it’s going to be a huge year for us and for women’s cricket in general.
Heather Knight

Australia captain Meg Lanning: "The women’s game has gone to another level over the past few years and its inclusion at the Commonwealth Games is a huge opportunity to take it further.

"The announcement of the schedule and qualifying process is an exciting milestone and one that will no doubt create plenty of excitement among players across the globe.

"Winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in front of a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was absolutely incredible but we’re now looking to the future with some amazing events and challenges on the horizon including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur: "The inclusion of cricket at the Commonwealth Games is huge for all players and the game in general.

"Representing your country in a multi-discipline event is a different challenge and with it comes the responsibility of being emissaries of the game since it can get us new followers and fans.

"I hope to be there at the games and wish that it is a great success with some engrossing matches and high quality of cricket."

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Potential storm developing ahead of the next games in this between Afghanistan and Ireland in ten days.

Ireland have been told from the outset these games are taking place in Abu Dhabi, squad announced early December, no issues with venues, so Ireland therefore have arranged a warm up series vs the UAE for four ODI's to tune up and give an Associate some practice.

All fine and dandy, Ireland flew out St Stephens Day, quarantined, are currently training and did so in the knowledge everything is in Abu Dhabi.

Evidently though, Afghanistan are having problems getting visas, because the Afghan board today, announcing their squad, have announced the fixtures now later in January, and in Oman to boot, despite the fact Ireland are in UAE right now, have a warm up series arranged, and if having to go to Oman, will require a seven day hotel bound quarantine which will rob all match sharpness, have to play in new conditions and have about two days to train before vital qualification points are at stake.

As of now CI are holding firm that the series is taking place in Abu Dhabi as originally stated, ACB are saying Oman, ICC are saying TBC (remember, this league is technically an ICC event, therefore this sets a precedent, whats stopping Ireland from playing all our home games now in Iceland and banking the NR points lol).


We have potentially a scenario where Ireland stay in Abu Dhabi at the original dates, Afghanistan dont turn up, Ireland claim three wins, then a few days later Afghanistan turn up in Oman, Ireland don't show up, and Afghanistan also claim three wins lol.

One to watch!

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh have kicked off their qualification campaign for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in style, sweeping their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series against the West Indies.

The 3-0 result at home has lifted Bangladesh to second position in the points table as they are on 30 points along with England but ahead on net run rate.

Australia, who are one of only two sides to play two series so far with the other being England, lead with 40 points in the Super League, which was introduced last year to add context to ODI cricket.

Pakistan are on 20 points with two wins, as are Afghanistan, after winning the first two games of their ongoing series against Ireland. Zimbabwe, Ireland and India have won one match each so far.

All sides play four home and four away three-match series with seven teams getting direct qualifying spots to join hosts India at the 2023 event.

The tournament features the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17.

Teams get 10 points for a win, five for an abandonment/tie/no result and none for a loss while points may be deducted for slow over rates in matches.

Sides are ranked according to total points earned and those failing to qualify directly will get a second shot through a Qualifier to be played in June and July of 2023.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1985817

 

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Another Paul Stirling century went in vain as Afghanistan spinners starred in the final ODI to hand their side a 36-run victory.

With the 3-0 series sweep over Ireland, Afghanistan have claimed 30 points as they climb up the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League ladder, above Pakistan at No.4.

Having set a target of 267, Ireland got off to a shaky start as they lost their opener James McCollum (3) and skipper Andy Balbirnie (5) within the first 10 overs.

Paul Stirling's solid century goes in vain as Ireland are bowled out for 230.

McCollum was the first one to fall when Mujeeb Ur Rahman had him bowled in the sixth over. While Ireland skipper, Balbirnie, who struggled to make runs in the first two ODIs, once again fell for a single-digit score.

In contrast, Stirling continued his rich form in the final clash, as he went on to make a solid 118 from 119 balls which was studded with nine fours and six sixes. It was his second century in a row, and fourth in his last six ODIs. He also set up a new benchmark in Irish cricket, as he now has the most ODI hundreds, 12, by an Ireland batsman.

From one end, Stirling kept the scoreboard ticking, but Ireland kept on losing wickets from the other end. Harry Tector (24), Lorcan Tucker (22) and Simi Singh (20) got off to good starts but they failed to convert their innings into match-winning knocks.

Once Ireland lost the prized wicket of Stirling to Mujeeb at the start of the 37th over, Afghanistan brought themselves back in the game with regular strikes which involved two run-outs of Mark Adair and Singh.

In the last five overs, Ireland needed 48 runs with three wickets in hand, but Afghanistan held their nerves and bowled the opposition out for 230 on the first ball of the 48th over. Rashid Khan starred with the ball, returning brilliant figures of 4/29 from nine overs.

Earlier, a combination of mini-partnerships helped Afghanistan post a tricky target of 266/9, despite slowing down considerably in their run-making in the middle overs.

Afghanistan scored 44 runs in their first five overs, and 50 in their final five. However, in the interim, Ireland restricted them, taking wickets regularly, and forcing the Afghans to adopt a more considered approach.

They had gotten off to flier after being put in to bat, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored a century in the first match of the series on debut, blasted his way to a 10-ball 22. At the other end, Javed Ahmadi creamed a 10-ball 19.

However, such an approach always risked wickets, and Afghanistan lost three in a flurry. Gurbaz was the first to fall, clean bowled by a full delivery from Craig Young, and in his next over, he had the other opener Ahmadi holing out to mid-off. Two balls later, Young had Rahmat Shah dismissed for 2. Hashmatullah Shahidi looked to hang around, but was caught off a turner from Andy McBrine, and Afghanistan were reduced to 66/4.

It was then that the senior figures of Mohammad Nabi and captain Asghar Afghan got together. They ensured the flow of wickets was stopped, with Asghar leading the way. He put on 51 for the fifth wicket with Nabi, and followed it up with another 45-run stand with Gulbadin Naib after Nabi was trapped in front by Singh for 32.

The partnerships allowed Afghanistan to keep their wickets intact for the flourish in the death. After Asghar holed out to Singh in the 35th over, Khan took on the job of guiding the innings through the end. He scored a 40-ball 48, accelerating in the last five overs of the innings, to take Afghanistan to a healthy total.

 

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What is this penalty overs?

 

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The West Indies have grabbed a full 30 points in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series against Sri Lanka after blanking the opposition 3-0.

The two-time World Cup winners had lost all three matches in their first series against Bangladesh but have caught up with Bangladesh, England and Afghanistan at 30 points in the points table. This was the first WCSL series for Sri Lanka.

Reigning World champions Australia lead with 40 points in the Super League, which was introduced last year to add context to ODI cricket.

All sides play four home and four away three-match series with seven teams getting direct qualifying spots to join hosts India at the 2023 event.

The tournament features the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17.

Teams get 10 points for a win, five for an abandonment/tie/no result and none for a loss while points may be deducted for slow over rates in matches.

Sides are ranked according to total points earned and those failing to qualify directly will get a second shot through a Qualifier to be played in June and July of 2023.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Excellent way to get teams to push for qualification for the world cup. Plus 3 match ODI series seems a good number of matches in each series.

 

[sam_ahm]

There is some talk about Sri Lanka getting a very rough draw and may struggle to make direct qualification. India and AUS also have tough matches but those two teams obviously will still do good, India are the hosts so it doesn't matter anyways.

Also AFG, Zim have got relatively easier fixtures (mainly because not many teams prefer to play them as it is not beneficial probably) so if those two teams sneak through, there could be 2-3 teams from top 9 that may end up playing qualifiers, who knows.

Ireland have had a bad start, will be interesting to see if they make up places.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

There is some talk about Sri Lanka getting a very rough draw and may struggle to make direct qualification. India and AUS also have tough matches but those two teams obviously will still do good, India are the hosts so it doesn't matter anyways.

Also AFG, Zim have got relatively easier fixtures (mainly because not many teams prefer to play them as it is not beneficial probably) so if those two teams sneak through, there could be 2-3 teams from top 9 that may end up playing qualifiers, who knows.

Ireland have had a bad start, will be interesting to see if they make up places.

Sri Lanka are definitely not making the Top 8. Terrible fixtures selected and now with on minus points so essentially four wins behind Afghanistan and WI already who they're directly up against. They strike me as a very average team, Mathews and Hasaranga carrying a lot of lightweights.

Whatever minute chances we have hinge on taking minimum 5 wins out of six vs Netherlands/Zim, which won't happen Im afraid. Should've beaten Afghanistan 2-1 but to get whutewashed in that series did us in far as I'm concerned. I'd be thrilled if we got near 100 points all considered, would represent a good performance with a very young team.

 

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New Zealand have grabbed a full 30 points in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series against Bangladesh after Friday’s win in Wellington helped complete a 3-0 series sweep.

New Zealand are second in the points table owing to a better net run rate though four others - Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan and the West Indies – are also on 30 points.

This was the first Super League series for New Zealand and the second for Bangladesh, who had prevailed 3-0 over the West Indies at home.

Reigning World champions Australia lead with 40 points in the Super League, which was introduced last year to add context to ODI cricket.

All sides play four home and four away three-match series with seven teams getting direct qualifying spots to join hosts India at the 2023 event.

The tournament features the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17.

Teams get 10 points for a win, five for an abandonment/tie/no result and none for a loss while points may be deducted for slow over rates in matches.

Sides are ranked according to total points earned and those failing to qualify directly will get a second shot through a Qualifier to be played in June and July of 2023.

 

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After last night's England win

 

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India have grabbed 20 points after defeating World champions England 2-1 in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series.
The win helped India leapfrog Pakistan to seventh place in the points table with 29 points. They had been docked one point for a slow over-rate in the first match of their series against Australia, which they lost 2-1.

England and Australia are on 40 points each in the Super League, a qualifying event for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. New Zealand, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the West Indies are all on 30 points.

All sides play four home and four away three-match series with seven teams getting direct qualifying spots to join hosts India at the 2023 event.

The tournament features the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17.

Teams get 10 points for a win, five for an abandonment/tie/no result and none for a loss while points may be deducted for slow over rates.

Sides are ranked according to total points earned and those failing to qualify directly will get a second shot through a Qualifier to be played from 18 June to 9 July 2023.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/2078878

 

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The updated World Cup Super League standings after Pakistan's 2-1 ODI series win in South Africa:

 

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After Netherlands 4 wicket win against Ireland

 

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After England's win in the 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka

 

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After end of England v Pakistan ODI Series (2021)

 

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After India and Australia wins yesterday

 

[sam_ahm]

I fear Zimbabwe may end up 13th. They've got some good players coming through like Dion Myers, Muzarabani, Burl but the results are simply not coming.

Sri Lanka surely will play Qualifiers along with Ireland, Zimbabwe, Netherlands.

What will be interesting to see is how the Afghans progress, they have the potential to end in top 8,vwhich could mean risk for West Indies or even in worst case, Pakistan, because Bangladesh look safe for sure.

 

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ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League – Standings

Last updated on 07 September 2021.

 

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After India's 3-0 win against West Indies at home

 

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Latest ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League standings after South Africa's win over Bangladesh in the second ODI by seven wickets at the Wanderers Stadium

 

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After win in the 2nd ODI against Australia

 

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The victory against Netherlands in the 2nd ODI meant New Zealand jumped from No.11 to eighth in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League table, leapfrogging Pakistan, with 50 points. Netherlands remain at the bottom of the 13-team table, with 25 points after nine matches.

 

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After Pakistan's 2-1 win over Australia

 

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After Windies series win over Ned and Afg win against Zim

 

[Cricfan4eva]

When does super league end?

It'll be bizarre to see Pak, SA play qualifiers, this should've been scrapped the moment covid ruined cricket FTP.

 

[sam_ahm]

When does super league end?

It'll be bizarre to see Pak, SA play qualifiers, this should've been scrapped the moment covid ruined cricket FTP.

It has nothing to do with Covid, it has more to do with the poor implementation of what was actually a good concept. The quality of opponents is not equal for each nation.

Afghanistan are almost certain of a direct qualification because so they have played against Ireland (3-0) , Netherlands (3-0), Bangladesh (1-2) Zimbabwe (1-0 as of now).

Some nations on the other hand have had far tougher opponents.

South Africa have themselves to blame, they lost 1-2 to srilanka, lost 1-2 to Bangladesh, 1-1 draw against Ireland, lost 1-2 to Pakistan and and 1 rained off game against the Dutch (2 games from that series are still remaining) , you cannot expect to be at the top when you lose so much.

What surprises me though is that most members on this forum don't know what's happening in the world of cricket outside of their country.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

South Africa have themselves to blame, they lost 1-2 to srilanka, lost 1-2 to Bangladesh, 1-1 draw against Ireland, lost 1-2 to Pakistan and and 1 rained off game against the Dutch (2 games from that series are still remaining) , you cannot expect to be at the top when you lose so much.

Well then clearly the format is flawed and SA are much better team than this table shows. It was a poor idea from the start, which is why ICC have scrapped it, but for some reason have chosen to let this one continue anyway. If one of Pak/SA miss out due to this stupid rule. ICC will only have themselves to blame for a sh1tty WC. Rare chance they don't qualify in qualifiers but crazier stuff has happened.

 

[amit]

Super League should continue but more teams should be added. We have seen how Ireland have beaten England, South Africa and West Indies. Netherlands might not have won but they have been impressive in the chances they have got

Also the current format is lopsided and some teams have easy opponents. Afghanistan got to play all 3 of Ireland, Netherlands and Zimbabwe and have won 7 out of 7 ODIs against them and they can most likely make it 9 out of 9. They even sneaked in a win against Bangladesh and they can qualify despite not getting a win over any of the big teams, or just 1 win if we count Bangladesh as a big team

Sri Lanka and South Africa have had tougher opponents but they have themselves to blame too. Losing to Bangladesh at home and losing to Ireland should not be acceptable for South Africa. West Indies can miss out but they lost to Ireland which should not be acceptable for them

To prevent some teams getting easy or tough opponents, it's better to expand the Super League to 16 or 18 teams, more Associates, especially Scotland, UAE and Namibia have shown that they also deserve their chances to play big teams. And with 16 or 18 teams, teams can be divided into 2 pools of equal strength so that everyone plays the same opponents. Winner of the Super League can be decided by a ODI series between the toppers of the 2 pools, while top 5 from each pool can be the 10 teams to directly qualify for WC with 4 others joining from WCQ

 

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After Afghanistan's win against Zimbabwe in the 2nd ODI

 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated ICC Cricket World Cup Super League Standings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/nshiGIA1Nf">pic.twitter.com/nshiGIA1Nf</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1535612859966685185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

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Latest after Pak's 3-0 ODI series win vs WI

 

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After England's win against The Netherlands

 

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The battle for the two remaining spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 takes place in Zimbabwe next month with the match schedule now confirmed for the eight participating teams.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B is scheduled between 11 and 17 July. The event features hosts Zimbabwe, alongside Jersey, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Singapore, Uganda and USA all competing for the two spots that will take the Qualifier B finalists to the World Cup between 16 October and 13 November 2022.

The Qualifier B which will take place in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club and the Bulawayo Athletic Club promises to showcase fast-paced and thrilling cricket that entertains. With only 20 T20 Men’s Internationals to be played across the event, every single ball counts, bringing the great intensity and vibrancy that has become accustomed with T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Singapore and Zimbabwe sealed their places in Qualifier B based on their rankings in the ICC MRF Tyres Men’s T20I Team rankings. Netherlands and PNG entered the 2022 qualification pathway at this stage following their finishing position in Round 1 at the 2021 edition, whilst the four remaining teams Hong Kong, Jersey, Uganda and USA advanced from the regional Finals.

Hosts Zimbabwe will take on Singapore in the opener on 11 July with all games streamed live on FanCode in the Indian sub-continent and on ICC.tv across the rest of the world for fans to enjoy.

There will also be in-play and post play highlights made available on ICC.tv and ICC’s Facebook page, as well as live scoring and dedicated editorial coverage across the tournament on the ICC website.

The winner of Qualifier B will go into Group B in Round 1 in Australia with Ireland, Scotland and the West Indies. With the runner-up filling the final spot in Group A alongside Namibia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: ‘We are very excited for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B to begin. This is the final step in the qualification pathway for the remaining two World Cup spots and we are looking forward to competitive and hard fought cricket, with a chance for all teams to compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket up for grabs. Fans will be able to cheer on all teams and follow the action by tuning in to ICC.tv or FanCode to find out who will secure their spots in the World Cup.

“We are delighted to be working with Zimbabwe Cricket again and wish all the participating teams the very best of luck in their quest to reach the Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.”

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B match schedule
11 July - Zimbabwe v Singapore 09h00, Queens Sports Club
11 July - Jersey v USA, 09h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
11 July - Netherlands v PNG, 13h00, Queens Sports Club
11 July - Hong Kong v Uganda, 13h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
12 July - Zimbabwe v Jersey, 09h00, Queens Sports Club
12 July - Singapore v USA, 09h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
12 July - Netherlands v Hong Kong, 13h00, Queens Sports Club
12 July - PNG v Uganda , 13h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
13 July – Rest Day
14 July - Netherlands v Uganda, 09h00, Queens Sports Club
14 July - PNG v Hong Kong, 09h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
14 July - Zimbabwe v USA, 13h00, Queens Sports Club
14 July- Singapore v Jersey, 13h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
15 July - A3 v B4, 09h00, Queens Sports Club
15 July - B3 v A4, 09:00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
15 July - Semi Final 1 (A1 v B2), 09h00, Queens Sports Club
15 July - Semi Final 2 (B2 v A1), 13h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
16 July – Rest
17 July – 5th/6th Place play-off, 09h00, Queens Sports Club
17 July - 7th/8th Place play-off, 09h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club
17 July – Final, 13h00, Queens Sports Club
17 July – 3rd/4th Place play-off, 13h00, Bulawayo Athletic Club

 

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Latest updated on 22 June

 

[daytrader]

Super League standings

 

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South Africa's decision to withdraw from a scheduled three-match ODI series in Australia in January has not only sparked debate about the changing global landscape of the sport, it has also put the qualification process for next year's 50-over World Cup in India firmly into focus.

In statements released on Wednesday, both Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa accepted that the cancellation of the series would see the 30 ODI Super League points that were on offer awarded to Australia, a further boost to their hopes of direct qualification for the 10-team World Cup in 2023.

The International Cricket Council is yet to rubber stamp that decision but doing so would put further pressure on South Africa, who were already in genuine danger of failing to qualify for the one-day game's showpiece event.

Remind me again – what is the ODI Super League?

Launched in 2020, the inaugural ODI Super League was the ICC's attempt to bring more context to bilateral one-day cricket, with qualification for the World Cup no longer guaranteed for any team, except the host nation.

With the start of the league severely impacted by the pandemic, it has gone slightly under the radar over the past two years, but the reality is nations like South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka are currently a chance of not qualifying for the World Cup, a once unthinkable prospect.

The Super League consists of the game’s 12 Full Member nations plus the Netherlands, with each team to play eight three-match series over a two-year period – four at home and four away – with each game worth 10 points.

At the end of the two-year cycle, only the top seven teams plus India (the host nation) will qualify automatically for the World Cup.

The five teams that miss out on the top eight will be forced into a secondary, 10-team qualifier tournament to be held in Zimbabwe next year, where only the top two teams will qualify for the World Cup.

Given what is at stake, the tournament in Zimbabwe is sure to be a tense affair and a potential banana peel that all major nations will be keen to avoid.

Why are South Africa in danger?

To put it simply, they've lost too many games they would have expected to win.

From 13 Super League matches so far, the Proteas have won only four times, including a defeat to Ireland, while two games against lower-ranked opponents (Ireland and the Netherlands) have been declared a no result, costing them valuable points.

Four of their seven defeats have come at home (to Pakistan and Bangladesh) and with series to come against the might of India and England – they also have two games against the Netherlands – they currently sit in 11th position, well outside the automatic qualification spots.

Given how desperate they are for points, why have South Africa cancelled the series against Australia?

Cricket South Africa has taken a calculated risk that even if the Proteas don't qualify automatically for the World Cup, they will finish in the top two in Zimbabwe next year and still make it to India.

CSA's focus this January is their third attempt at launching a domestic T20 league, which it hopes will secure the sport's financial future. Deciding that the nation's leading players are vital to the new competition's success, their potential absence due to the ODI series in Australia (which was to be played on January 12 to 17) was deemed to be unacceptable, hence they have withdrawn from the tour.

While it means sacrificing 30 crucial Super League points at a time the Proteas can ill afford any further slip ups, CSA have effectively decided to take their chances in the qualifier tournament.

"Given our situation on the points table, we knew it would be a tough ask to qualify," Lawson Naidoo, CSA's board chair, told ESPN Cricinfo.

"We would have liked the opportunity to automatically qualify but if we have to go to the qualifiers, that's what we have to do. The players know what's at stake. A World Cup is the pinnacle of a career."

It's also worth pointing out that simply playing the series is no guarantee the Proteas would pick up any points. The decision to cancel the series is effectively the same as a 3-0 series win to Australia, which would have been possible even if the games had gone ahead.

And given their poor start to the Super League and the quality of teams they are yet to play, the Proteas could have still missed automatic qualification even if they'd picked up points in Australia.

Surely a team like South Africa would dominate that qualifier tournament?

On paper, you would say yes, but the gap between Full Member nations and the so-called 'smaller' teams is closing quickly.

Already in the Super League, we have seen Ireland beat West Indies (twice), England and South Africa, while the Netherlands in turn beat Ireland 2-1 in a series last year.

Outside the Super League, teams like Scotland and Namibia are among the contenders to reach the qualifier tournament having shown their wares in the 20-over game with victories over Bangladesh and Ireland respectively at last year's T20 World Cup.

So while teams like South Africa and Sri Lanka would be favoured to advance if they were forced into the qualifier, one little slip up along the way could spell the end of their World Cup hopes.

What happens if South Africa do miss the World Cup?

In the words of Pholetsi Moseki, CSA's chief executive, "That will be a disaster".

Financially, failing to qualify for the World Cup means missing out on revenue participants can earn at a major event, while it could also hurt commercial opportunities for future bilateral campaigns.

On the field, the World Cup remains the pinnacle of the white-ball game and given South Africa are yet to win the ultimate prize, another four years of waiting would be devastating to this proud cricketing nation.

Who else is in danger of missing automatic qualification?

The likes of the Netherlands, Zimbabwe and Ireland (who all missed the 2019 World Cup) are all currently in the bottom five, but major nations like Sri Lanka (six wins from 18 games) and West Indies (eight wins from 21 games) have also dropped plenty of points and could find themselves in the qualifier tournament next year

On the flip side, teams like Bangladesh (12 wins from 18 games) and Afghanistan (10 wins from 12 games) are flying and are currently on track to gain automatic qualification.

How are Australia tracking?

They were already in a good spot, and the impending gain of 30 more points from the South Africa series will only strengthen their position.

The Aussies are currently in eighth, on the cut-off line, but have played only 12 matches so far and will be hot favourites to pick up more points in their upcoming series against Zimbabwe in Townsville (Aug 28 to Sep 3), which will be followed by three matches against New Zealand in Cairns (Sep 6-11).

They are then scheduled to finish with three matches against Afghanistan away next year.

What happens to the Super League after the World Cup?

In a low-key announcement last year, the ICC effectively scrapped the Super League going forward in announcing the 2027 World Cup will be expanded to 14 teams.

While expansion is a good thing for emerging nations like Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland, it has effectively killed off the Super League and once again left bilateral ODI cricket without any greater context in between major tournaments.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/odi...rica-australia-standings-sri-lanka/2022-07-14

 

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