ISLAMABAD: Cricket is set to make an exciting return to the Olympic stage after a 128-year hiatus, with the 2028 Los Angeles Games promising thrilling T20I action from July 12 to 29.
Amid the excitement, Pakistan’s hopes of representing Asia are dimming, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) finalises a regional qualification system that seemingly sidelines the cricketing powerhouse.
In a groundbreaking decision at its annual meeting in Singapore, the ICC unveiled a qualification plan designed to spotlight global diversity by awarding automatic spots to the top-ranked teams from each continent.
This means the host nation, the USA secures a place, while heavyweights India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), South Africa (Africa), and Great Britain (Europe) are expected to join the fray.
Unfortunately for Pakistan, alongside Sri Lanka and New Zealand, direct qualification is off the table, a decision stirring disappointment and frustration.
The ICC’s regional approach aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s vision to expand cricket’s global footprint, but it leaves only a single slot up for grabs.
Speculation swirls that the final berth may go to a Caribbean representative side, echoing their unique participation at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, governance issues within USA Cricket cast uncertainty over their automatic spot, with potential replacement by a Caribbean nation if reforms fall short.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the men’s final set for July 29, 2028, marking a historic moment for cricket and the Olympics alike.
