WORRIED former skipper Darren Sammy believes the West Indies could be blocked out of the World Cup - by Scotland.

He underlined his fears as the sport’s chiefs in Edinburgh waited for confirmation that they will co-host the qualifying tournament a year from now.

And Sammy underlined his concern that the ex-champions could miss out at the hands of the Scots.

Scotland and Ireland look certain to stage the event after Bangladesh pulled out.

It would be the biggest ever cricket competition in the British Isles outwith England.

And Sammy reckons the Windies failure to reach the recent Champions Trophy through global rankings could lead to World Cup exile for the 2019 extravaganza.

He said: “We are in danger of falling to the same status as Scotland and Ireland.

“Ireland have already shown what they can achieve, while the Scots have just beaten Zimbabwe.

“If we had to try to qualify for the 2019 World Cup by having to face these sides on their own territory and in their own conditions, it would be very difficult.

“In fact, I am very scared and sad.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe skipper Graham Cremer revealed he treated last week’s mini ODI series in Edinburgh as a dress-rehearsal for the qualifiers.

He also expressed his desire to square up to the Scots in Harare during the coming winter.

Cremer - whose side hit back to tie the series 1-1 - stated: “We needed to assess conditions in case we do play the 2018 qualifier here.

“It was nice to come and see what we might be up against because we might meet Scotland in a crucial game in the competition

“We're hoping they will come to us later on in the year.

“It would be good if we can form that relationship with them because they play tough cricket.

“It is always a bonus to have opposition that gives you a hard time."

ICC bosses will make their decision on venues for the qualifiers at their annual summit in London this week.

The 2019 World Cup will be held in England and Wales.