India retained the top spot in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings despite a slight drop in the rankings following the annual update released by the International Cricket Council. The Shubman Gill-led team continues to lead the standings with 118 points, remaining five points ahead of second-placed New Zealand.
The latest ranking update comes at a crucial time as the teams begin intensifying preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup qualifications.
“India remain at the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings after the latest annual update, leading second-placed New Zealand (113 points) by a narrow five-point margin, while Australia (109 points) maintain third place to round out the top three,” the ICC said in an official release.
India, in comparison, fell by one rating point to the previous update, but still maintained a comfortable lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, South Africa climbed into the top four with 102 points, ahead of Pakistan, who slipped to fifth place with 98 points. Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and England retained their positions in the top eight, while Bangladesh remained ninth ahead of the West Indies.
“The annual ranking update applies full weightage (100 percent) to matches played from May 2025, while results from the previous two years are given half weightage (50 percent),” the governing body added while explaining the revised calculations.
THE QUALIFYING RACE FOR THE WORLD CUP INTENSIFIES
The updated ODI rankings have added significance to the race for direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. As per ICC rules, the top eight teams in the rankings as on March 31, 2027 will secure direct entry into the tournament alongside hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“The top eight teams in the ICC rankings as on March 31, 2027 will secure direct qualification along with hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe who have qualified automatically,” the ICC added.
With South Africa already assured of a place at the World Cup as co-hosts, the ninth team could potentially gain direct qualification if the Proteas finish in the top eight. Elsewhere, Ireland moved ahead of Zimbabwe to 11th, while the USA overtook Scotland to climb to 13th. The UAE also climbed to 19th position after overtaking Canada in the last update.
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Published on:
11 May 2026 17:19 IST
