Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed has stressed the importance of maintaining a strong ODI ranking as the team builds toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. Javed warned that poor performances in bilateral series could push teams into the qualifying stage, saying that consistent results are crucial over the next two years.
Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, strengthened their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 ODI series win over Australia. In the third and final ODI in Lahore, the Men in Green bowled the visiting team out for 157 in 42 overs before chasing down the target with four wickets in hand, reaching 161/6 in 41.5 overs.
Bilateral Series Determine Where You Stand: Aaqib Javed's World Cup Warning
Aaqib Javed stated that the team should have a strong ODI ranking ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The Pakistan selector said that automatic qualification should be the team's main focus and warned that poor results in bilateral series could lead to a significant drop in the rankings.
"There are still 1.5 years left until the World Cup, but people forget that. In the last World Cup, Sri Lanka and the West Indies had to go through the qualifying round. It's important to remain in the top six through your bilateral performances because if you slip, another team can play well and overtake you. Bilateral series determine where you stand," Aaqib Javed
From October Onward, the Team Should Focus on That Preparation: Aaqib Javed
Aaqib Javed said Pakistan should begin preparations for South African conditions closer to the World Cup. The selector believes the team's immediate priority is securing a strong position in the ODI rankings before shifting its focus to condition-based planning.
"If, 1.5 years in advance, we start thinking about preparing to play in South Africa, then as this season ends and Sri Lanka arrives in October, that's when it begins to make sense. By then, you should be in a position where you don't have to fear dropping out of the top six. From October onward, the team should focus on that kind of preparation."
Sri Lanka and the West Indies missed automatic qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup and were forced to compete in the qualifying tournament. Their struggles have highlighted the importance of staying among the top-ranked teams and avoiding the risk of missing direct entry to a major ICC event.
Pakistan Still Searching for First ODI World Cup Semi-Final Since 2011
Pakistan's most recent ODI World Cup semi-final appearance came in 2011, when they reached the last four of the tournament hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Since then, the team has been unable to make another semi-final.
During the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Pakistan's campaign ended in the quarter-finals after a defeat to eventual champions Australia. In 2019, Pakistan missed out on a semi-final place to New Zealand on net run rate despite ending the league stage level on points.
The trend continued at the 2023 World Cup in India. Pakistan finished fifth in the league table with four wins and five losses, falling short of a place in the knockout stage.
