In a move that’s already sparked murmurs across cricketing nations, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has firmed up its qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But early signs suggest Pakistan won’t be part of the historic men’s event. And that’s not sitting well with many.
The Format That’s Shaking Things Up
After discussions at its annual general meeting in Singapore, the ICC has decided on a regional qualification model. That means the top-ranked team from each continent will grab a ticket to LA 2028.
Add one automatic spot for the hosts, the United States, and you’ve already got five of the six available slots filled.
That list currently looks like this:
- India (Asia)
- Australia (Oceania)
- South Africa (Africa)
- Great Britain (Europe)
- USA (Host nation)
Which leaves just one spot up for grabs, and that’s where things get tricky.
What This Means for Pakistan
Let’s be honest, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Under this proposed model, cricket-loving nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand are on the outside looking in. Despite their legacy and fan following, they haven’t made the regional cut, at least not yet.
Pakistan and New Zealand have already voiced concerns over the ICC’s decision, but realistically, the chances of a U-turn are slim. The board has yet to give its final nod, but when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is in favour of this global representation model, reversal seems unlikely.
The Caribbean Curveball?
So, what happens to that final spot? There’s speculation that the last berth could go to a team representing the Caribbean Islands, much like the Barbados women’s team did during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The ICC and IOC are clearly trying to sell cricket as a truly global sport. By ensuring continental representation, they’re hoping to spread the game’s appeal far beyond its traditional heartlands.
In theory, it’s a noble idea. In practice, though, it means some top teams, like Pakistan, could be watching the Olympics from the sidelines.
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