ICC finalizes qualification process for 2028 Olympic cricket, Pakistan's chances slim

(Web Desk): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially finalized the qualification process for cricket’s return to the 2028 Olympics, with reports from The Guardian indicating that Pakistan is unlikely to secure a spot in the men’s event.

The ICC's decision came after the annual general meeting held in Singapore, where a regional qualification format for the event was approved.

The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature six men's cricket teams, with the United States guaranteed one of the spots as the host nation. Under the new qualification model, the highest-ranked team from each continent will earn an automatic berth, ensuring representation from across the globe. As a result, India is expected to claim the Asian qualification spot, while Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain will automatically qualify for their respective regions in Oceania, Africa, and Europe.

For countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand, direct qualification is now off the table, leaving them to compete for a chance at the final qualification spot. This final berth, according to some reports, could go to one of the Caribbean nations, especially if governance issues in USA Cricket are not resolved. The ICC recently called for the resignation of the USA Cricket Board, which could lead to the Caribbean stepping in, similar to how Barbados represented the region at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

While the ICC's decision still needs final ratification by the board, it seems unlikely that the qualification system will be altered, despite discontent from some countries like Pakistan and New Zealand. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has supported the regional model to ensure global representation and expand cricket's international appeal.

The cricket events at the 2028 Olympics will be played in the T20 format, with the men’s competition running from July 12 to July 29, 2028. The women's medal match is scheduled for July 20, while the men’s final will take place on July 29.

This will mark cricket’s return to the Olympic stage after 128 years, with its only previous appearance being at the 1900 Paris Games, where Great Britain defeated France in a one-off match to claim the gold medal.