T20 Cricket Returns to the Olympics, but Pakistan’s Chances Look Bleak
In what could be a major setback for Pakistan cricket, the team is on the verge of missing out on qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the T20 format will be featured in both men’s and women’s competitions at LA28, running from 12 July to 29 July 2028, with the medal matches scheduled for 20 July (Women’s) and 29 July (Men’s).
How Cricket Qualification for LA28 Will Work
The ICC has decided on a six-team format for the LA 2028 Olympics, with one automatic spot given to the host nation, USA. The rest of the spots will be filled through regional qualification, a decision made during the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore.
According to Guardian Sport, the Olympic Committee prefers regional qualifying to ensure global representation. As a result, the top-ranked teams from each continent will secure qualification:
- India (Asia)
- Australia (Oceania)
- South Africa (Africa)
- Great Britain (Europe)
- USA (Hosts)
This leaves only one final spot open for the men’s competition.
What This Means for Pakistan and Other Cricketing Nations
Under the current format, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand are all set to miss out. Despite their strong cricketing pedigree, their regional ranking positions fall behind the already-qualified teams from their respective continents.
The final sixth spot remains undecided, and it’s up to the ICC to determine how it will be filled. There is speculation that the Caribbean Islands, possibly represented by one team as in the 2022 Commonwealth Games (where Barbados represented the region), may be awarded this final slot.
For Pakistan cricket fans, this development is disappointing, especially with the rising popularity of T20 cricket and the historical strength of the national side. However, unless the qualification format changes or a wildcard entry is granted, Pakistan’s chances of competing in Olympic cricket in 2028 appear slim.
