New Legislation Could See England Excluded from Major Tournament
England's reign as Cricket World Cup champions is under threat as they struggle to defend their title in India. With just one win from six matches, Jos Buttler's side currently sits at the bottom of the ten-team group. However, their woes may not end there as new legislation means they are at risk of missing out on the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Only Top Seven Nations from World Cup Group Stage Will Qualify
The ICC has confirmed that only the top seven nations from the World Cup group stage, along with hosts Pakistan, will qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This new qualification process, which was approved by the ICC Board in 2021, caught England off guard as there was no press release at the time.
England's Coach Unaware of Rule Change
England's one-day coach, Matthew Mott, admitted that he was not aware of the stipulations surrounding the World Cup standings until the media informed him after the team's loss to India. Mott downplayed the impact of the rule change, stating that it wouldn't affect their performance in the current tournament. However, he acknowledged the need for the team to stay focused and win their remaining matches to secure a top-eight finish.
Poor Run Rate Could Cost England a Spot
Even if England manages to win two of their remaining three matches, their poor run rate could still prevent them from qualifying for the Champions Trophy. The team faces tough opponents in Australia, Netherlands, and Pakistan, making their task even more challenging.
West Indies, Zimbabwe, and Ireland Already Excluded
The West Indies, Zimbabwe, and Ireland have already been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after failing to secure a spot in the current World Cup. The tournament, which will make a comeback after eight years, is one of the eight major men's global cricket events scheduled for the 2024-31 cycle.
Pakistan, the 2017 Champions Trophy winners, will host the upcoming edition of the tournament in February and March 2025.
