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Last month, Pakistan cricket team achieved their all-time highest ranking in Tests as they became the number one side. However, in One Day Internationals (ODIs), things are contrasting for them. With 86 rating points, Pakistan occupies the ninth spot on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ranking, their lowest-ever rating. Also Read- Pakistan sinks to lowest-ever rating in latest ICC ranking
Pakistan had a chance to climb the rankings before the five-match ODI series against England. However, the Azhar Ali-led side lost the series 1-4, and that saw a drop in their rating. This slump in ODI rankings may hamper Pakistan’s automatic or direct qualification for the 50-over World Cup in 2019. Top seven teams along with hosts England will directly qualify for the showpiece event while the two remaining spots will be filled through the 10-team ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2018 in Bangladesh.
With September 30, 2017, being the cutoff date for qualification, Pakistan has a year left to better their rankings. So technically all is not lost for Pakistan, but there is a probability that Pakistan may miss the direct qualification, which will be an embarrassment for a top class Test side.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pakistan’s chances for direct qualification now rest on how the team performs in upcoming ODI matches. According to ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) Pakistan play three ODIs against West Indies in United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September-October this year. Followed by five ODIs on Australian tour early next year.
In February 2017, Pakistan players are likely to be involved in the second edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a month. After PSL, Pakistan will tour to West Indies in March-April, 2017, which includes three ODIs.
The Green Shirts then participate in Champions Trophy in June in England and play at least three ODIs. Following Champions Trophy, the team will tour Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series. So, Pakistan has minimum of 17 ODIs to play before the cutoff date and will have to utilise these matches to improve their ranking.
Déjà vu For Pakistan
Last year Pakistan found themselves in a similar spot when they faced a danger of not qualifying for Champions Trophy 2017. The PCB at first planned a Tri-Series in Zimbabwe with West Indies, who were seeking Champions Trophy berth as well, as the third team. However, Pakistan won an ODI series against Sri Lanka and qualified for the Champions Trophy 2017.
PCB then postponed the Zimbabwe tour and later took on the African Nation in a bilateral series. Thus West Indies had no opportunity to better their rankings and failed to book a place for Champions Trophy 2017.
The Road Ahead
As per ICC’s ranking predictor, if Pakistan manages to beat West Indies, ranked eighth, 3-0 in the forthcoming ODI series they will move to the eighth spot with 89 rating points. West Indies, in that case, will see a drop in their rating points from 94 to 88. If Pakistan wins 2-1, both the teams will stay at their respective spots. And if West Indies win series by any margin, Pakistan will stay at ninth with a drop of few rating points.
Will Pakistan Anyway Qualify For World Cup?
Even if Pakistan fails to be eligible for the mega event directly, they will get to play qualifying event against lower ranked teams. And it is highly likely that Green Shirts will book their place for the main event via this qualifying tournament. However, given Pakistan’s mercurial nature nothing can be ruled out at this stage. One thing is certain; the number one Test side will be eager to qualify directly and save itself from the embarrassment.
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