ODI World Cup is the biggest tournament to take place in the game of cricket. It takes place once every four years, when the best teams from around the world compete together to become the World Champions. The first ever World Cup edition took place in England, which West Indies won by beating Australia in the final. So far, 12 editions have taken place, with the last one held in England in 2019.
Australia has won the tournament five times: in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015. West Indies (1975 and 1979) and India (1983 and 2011) have done it twice. Then, England (2019), Pakistan (1992), and Sri Lanka (1996) have won it once. The first edition was played between eight teams. The 2007 World Cup had the maximum number of teams with 16.
How many teams play ODI World Cup?
The first four editions had a total of eight teams. Then, with every edition, the number of teams changed. Since its start in 1975, the tournament has changed significantly. But later, in 1992, with other teams playing this game, participation increased in the World Cup. The 2007 edition saw a total of 16 teams divided into four groups of four teams each, which was the most. However, the last edition in 2019 and the upcoming 2023 edition will see a total of ten teams playing in the competition.
What is the Qualification Scenario and how is the host country chosen for the World Cup?
From 1975 to 2015, the qualification scenario for the World Cup was pretty simple. The test-playing nations qualified directly for the tournament. On the other hand, the other teams (associate nations) will make it to the tournament through qualifiers. But after the 2015 edition, teams were chosen on the basis of rankings in the ICC ODI team rankings. Meanwhile, other associate nations qualify through pre-qualifying tournaments.
The World Cricket League is a qualifying tournament that provides an opportunity for every associate nation to play in the big event. But with a new change, which has been applied since the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, the hosts will get direct entry into the tournament, while other teams will qualify on the basis of Super League Points. The ODI Super League Points determine the top seven teams, on the basis of rankings and wins in the last 2-3 years, that will qualify for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, two teams qualified after the World Cup qualifiers. Sri Lanka and Netherlands are the two teams that have qualified for the upcoming World Cup in India on the basis of WC Qualifiers held in Zimbabwe. On the other hand, the selection of the host nation is done by voting among the International Cricket Council’s executive committee. This is done after examining the bids made by countries that are willing to take over the hosting rights of the World Cup.
How Teams Qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup?
Being a host nation, India made it to the tournament by default. This is the 10-team contest. Seven teams out of 13 top teams were selected on the basis of their performances and rankings during the Super League, which was between July 30 and May 14, 2023. Those seven teams that qualified were Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.
Meanwhile, the two remaining slots were taken by two finalists in the World Cup Qualifiers held in Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka won it, and Netherlands ended up as runners-up. The above chart will help you understand the qualification scenario. The 2027 edition will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. South Africa and Zimbabwe will qualify directly as host nations. Eight teams will qualify through Super League points. Four slots will be filled through the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.