The 2023 Cricket World Cup qualification process was the edition of Cricket World Cup qualification for the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the introduction of a new qualification process. A series of cricket competitions determined which countries took part in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. In total, 32 countries took part in the qualification process, from which 10 teams qualified for the World Cup.
The 32 teams were divided into three leagues—Super League (13 teams), League 2 (7 teams) and Challenge League (12 teams). Based on the results of the leagues, teams either directly qualify for the World Cup, were eliminated from World Cup qualification, or advanced to other supplementary qualifying tournaments through which they could qualify for the World Cup. The supplementary qualifying tournaments also determined the promotion and relegation between the leagues. As it was the first use of the new process, teams were allocated to the three leagues based on their ICC member status, ODI status and rank from the 2017–2019 ICC World Cricket League.[1]
Overview
A diagram that explains the qualification structure for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup
As with the previous edition, the 2023 World Cup featured ten teams. The main route for qualification was the 2020–23 Super League tournament. From the thirteen competitors in this tournament, the top seven sides plus the hosts (India) qualified for the World Cup. The remaining five teams, along with five Associate sides, proceeded to the 2023 qualifier, from which two teams went through to the final tournament.[2][3]
Source: ICC[12], ESPN Cricinfo[13] The series between Afghanistan and India, and Afghanistan and Pakistan were not played (or awarded to either side). Notes:
^India were deducted one point for a slow over rate against Australia on 27 November 2020.[4]
^South Africa were deducted one point for a slow over rate against Pakistan on 2 April 2021,[5] and one point for a slow over rate against England on 1 February 2023.[6]
^West Indies were deducted two points for a slow over rate against New Zealand on 21 August 2022.[7]
^Sri Lanka were deducted two points for a slow over rate against West Indies on 14 March 2021,[8] one point for a slow over rate against India on 20 July 2021,[9] and one point for a slow over rate against New Zealand on 25 March 2023.[10]
^Ireland were deducted two points for a slow over rate against West Indies on 8 January 2022.[11]
Six teams took part in the qualifier play-off: the bottom four teams from the League 2 along with the top teams in Groups A and B of the Challenge League. The top two teams from this tournament progressed to the Qualifier.
The Qualifier will feature ten teams in total: the bottom five teams from the Super League not including World Cup hosts India; the top three teams from the League 2, and the top two teams from the qualifier play-off. The top two teams from this tournament will qualify for the World Cup.
^"Sri Lanka fined for slow over-rate in third ODI against West Indies". International Cricket Council. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021. In addition, as per Article 12.9.1 of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League Playing Conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, Sri Lanka will lose two points from their points tally during the Super League.