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West Indies penalised for slow over-rate, direct route to WC 2023 fades

image-l76lbnglNicholas Pooran / Source: Twitter

West Indies hopes of automatic qualification for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 have been further dented as International Cricket Council (ICC) deducted their two Super League points for maintaining a slow over-rate in the third ODI match against New Zealand. 

The Nicholas Pooran-led side was found guilty of not completing their overs in the stipulated time against the Black Caps. The sanction was imposed by cricketer-turned-match referee Richie Richardson who also is a part of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. 

The charges were leveled by the on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Leslie Reifer, third umpire Gregory Brathwaite, and fourth umpire Nigel Duguid following West Indies's five wickets defeat at the hands of New Zealand. 

West Indies' captain Nicholas Pooran pleaded guilty to the offense and accepted the imposed sanction.  

How will the West Indies qualify then? 

The deduction in two points means West Indies now drops to 88 points – which most probably puts them out of the top eight at the end of the Super League season. In such a case, they won't get a direct entry into the World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played in India next year. 

Ireland, who are currently placed ninth with 98 points, have a better net run rate as compared to the West Indies and two victories against Bangladesh at home in the upcoming series would help them overtake the Caribbean side in the points ranking.   

As far as West Indies' qualifications are concerned, the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe the following year would be the only way for the Men in Maroon to reach India in 2023 if they finish outside the top eight in terms of Super League rankings.

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