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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the qualification structure for cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
According to The Guardian, Pakistan’s men’s team is set to miss out under the current regional qualification model.
The ICC confirmed a six-team format during its annual general meeting in Singapore. The host nation, the United States, will receive automatic entry – provided its cricket administration resolves governance issues.
If these issues are not addressed, a Caribbean nation may take its place after the ICC called for the USA Cricket Board’s resignation earlier this month.
The remaining five spots will be awarded to the highest-ranked teams from each continent. India will claim the Asia spot, while Australia will represent Oceania, South Africa will take the Africa slot, and the United Kingdom will qualify for Europe.
This allocation effectively excludes Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand from direct qualification.
Both Pakistan and New Zealand have expressed their dissatisfaction with the ICC’s decision; however, it is unlikely to change, as the decision has yet to be ratified by the board.
Cricket will make its return to the Olympic stage after 128 years at the LA 2028 Olympics, featuring men’s and women’s T20 tournaments scheduled from July 12 to 29, 2028, following its only previous appearance at the 1900 Paris Games, where Great Britain defeated France in a one-off match to win the gold medal.
