Cricket returns to the Olympics after more than 100 years. The ICC announced that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature cricket. But Pakistan faces a tough road to qualify now.
New Qualification System Changes Everything
The ICC confirmed both men’s and women’s T20 events for the Olympics. A total of 12 teams will participate in these competitions. Six teams will play in each category with 28 matches total.
“The Board reviewed the ICC’s ongoing engagement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, as cricket deepens its footprint in the global multisport landscape. At LA28, both men’s and women’s T20 events will feature six teams each, comprising 28 matches in total,” ICC media releases.
Earlier plans suggested the top six ICC-ranked teams would qualify. But the qualification criteria changed to a regional format recently. Each continent will send only its top-ranked team now.
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This new system hurts Pakistan’s chances of making it there. The ICC wants cricket to grow globally through this approach. But Asian teams like Pakistan now face tougher competition.
Regional Format Creates Problems
India, Australia, England, and South Africa look safe under this system. These teams dominate their respective continental rankings currently. Pakistan must finish as Asia’s top team to qualify directly. America can be another team to qualify as the host or factor in the West Indies in some criteria.
The qualification criteria also include a global qualifying tournament format. This tournament will decide the final participant for the Olympics. Pakistan might need to go through this tough route.
Pakistan’s Olympic dream depends heavily on its upcoming performances now. They must win a big series before the 2028 deadline approaches. The team cannot afford poor results in the coming months.
The ICC rankings will matter for continental selections still. Pakistan needs to climb above other Asian teams quickly. India currently holds the top Asian spot in the rankings.
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India-Pakistan Match Uncertain
Even if both teams qualify somehow, their match isn’t guaranteed. Group placements will decide whether they face each other or not. The tournament structure keeps this possibility open though.
The ICC wants to expand cricket’s reach through Olympic inclusion. This explains why they chose the regional qualification criteria format. But traditional powerhouses like Pakistan now face unexpected challenges.
Pakistan’s Olympic dream requires consistent performances from now on. The team must peak at the right time before the Olympics. Fans hope their cricket board plans properly for this challenge.
