Pakistan face Olympics 2028 snub as ICC finalizes qualification model

Pakistan are likely to miss out on the 2028 Olympic Games after the International Cricket Council (ICC) finalized its qualification pathway for cricket’s return to the Olympics, according to British media reports.

The qualification model, discussed during the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore, adopts a regional format that will allow only six teams to participate in the men’s T20 cricket competition at the Los Angeles Games.

One of the six spots has already been reserved for the host nation, the United States. The remaining five will go to the highest-ranked teams from each continent, which means India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), South Africa (Africa), and Great Britain (Europe) are expected to qualify directly. This leaves no direct path for countries like Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.

Both Pakistan and New Zealand have reportedly expressed disappointment over the proposed model, but sources suggest the decision is unlikely to be reversed, even though it hasn’t yet been formally ratified by the ICC Board.

The regional model was also backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which believes it will ensure broader global representation and help promote cricket in new markets.

That leaves only one remaining spot for the men’s competition, which could be filled through alternative means. There is speculation that the ICC may award the final berth to a representative team from the Caribbean, similar to the 2022 Commonwealth Games when Barbados represented the region.

Cricket will return to the Olympics after 128 years, with both men’s and women’s T20 tournaments scheduled from July 12 to July 29, 2028. The women’s final will take place on July 20, while the men’s gold medal match will be held on July 29. The sport last featured at the 1900 Paris Olympics, where Great Britain beat France in the only match played.