Pakistan likely to miss out on cricket at 'LA Olympics 2028' under new rules

Lahore (Web Desk): Cricket’s long-awaited return to the Olympic Games in 2028 may happen without one of the sport’s most passionate nations, as Pakistan are set to miss out under the proposed qualification structure finalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to British media reports, the governing body has agreed on a six-team format for the men’s T20 event at the Los Angeles Games, with qualification heavily based on regional representation.

The format, discussed during the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore, is built around continental dominance.

Of the six available slots, one has already been reserved for the host nation, the United States. The remaining five berths are expected to go to the top-ranked teams from each continent. This approach effectively gives a direct route to India from Asia, Australia from Oceania, South Africa from Africa, and Great Britain from Europe. With those positions likely spoken for, teams such as Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are left out of automatic contention.

Both Pakistan and New Zealand have voiced dissatisfaction with the proposed structure, expressing concern over being sidelined despite strong cricketing traditions and competitive records in international T20 cricket.

However, sources indicate that the ICC is unlikely to revisit the decision, despite it not yet being officially ratified by its Board.

The model has the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which reportedly favours the continental format as a means of encouraging wider international engagement and helping the sport reach newer audiences.

That leaves one final place in the men’s draw, which could be filled through an alternative route. There’s ongoing speculation that the ICC may opt for a representative team from the Caribbean, similar to how Barbados was chosen to represent the West Indies at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Cricket’s return to the Olympics will mark the sport’s first appearance at the Games in 128 years, with both men’s and women’s T20 competitions scheduled to take place between July 12 and July 29, 2028.

The women’s gold medal match is set for July 20, while the men’s final will close out the tournament on July 29. Cricket last featured at the 1900 Paris Olympics, when Great Britain beat France in the only match of that tournament.

As it stands, unless the qualification format sees major changes or Pakistan manages to secure the sixth and final spot, one of cricket’s most storied nations may have to watch the Olympic action from the sidelines.