As the excitement mounts and the countdown begins, cricket enthusiasts from around the globe eagerly anticipate the start of the most prestigious tournament in the sport: the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Being hosted by England and Wales, this tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and fierce competition between the best cricket teams in the world. The journey to the World Cup is challenging, requiring immense skill, dedication, and teamwork. As the tournament’s commencement draws near, let’s delve into how the teams qualified and what to expect from the contenders.

A Rigorous Qualification Process

The road to securing a spot in the World Cup is challenging, extending far beyond a single tournament. Teams needed to establish their dominance through various qualifiers, showcasing consistent performance and strategic prowess. The primary qualification avenue was the ICC ODI rankings, which determined the top eight teams gaining direct entry. These teams demonstrated excellence in the One Day International (ODI) format, accumulating sufficient points through numerous matches in a four-year cycle.

The Direct Qualifiers

The powerhouses of international cricket, based on their ICC ODI rankings as of September 2017, included:

1. **England**: As the host nation, they automatically qualified