In a controversial turn of events, Pakistan and New Zealand have raised serious concerns over the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) proposed qualification system for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, sparking a debate over fairness and representation.
According to a report by The Guardian, the ICC has outlined a regional qualifying format designed to promote geographic diversity—an approach heavily favored by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Under this model, the top-ranked teams from Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa will qualify directly, alongside the United States as hosts. The sixth and final spot is still undecided.
This new system has left Pakistan and New Zealand in a state of frustration, as both cricketing powerhouses are likely to miss out on the six-team men’s competition despite their strong ICC T20 rankings. India and Australia are expected to claim the automatic slots from Asia and Oceania respectively, pushing Pakistan and New Zealand to the sidelines.
Currently, New Zealand holds the fourth spot in the ICC T20 standings—just behind third-ranked England—yet the Oceania berth would go to higher-ranked Australia. Pakistan, too, would be left out despite its historical presence and strength in the global cricketing arena.
The Olympic cricket qualification framework was finalized during the ICC’s recent Annual General Meeting in Singapore but still awaits ratification by the ICC Board. However, insiders suggest it’s unlikely to be reversed, leaving affected nations with limited room for protest.
The move has not only stirred dissatisfaction among excluded teams but also raised questions about the overall structure and fairness of the Olympic cricket qualification process. Critics argue that limiting the competition to just six teams fails to reflect the true global spirit of the sport.
Adding another layer of uncertainty, governance issues have emerged around USA Cricket, with the ICC urging its board to resign. If unresolved, a Caribbean nation might take the USA’s spot at LA28.
In contrast, the women’s qualification will be decided at next year’s T20 World Cup. England, as hosts, have a strong chance of securing a spot—especially if they reach the semi-finals. Team GB is likely to feature in the women’s lineup should Charlotte Edwards’ squad perform well.
Cricket’s return to the Olympics—its first appearance since 1900—has stirred excitement, with the tournament set to be held in Pomona, California, roughly 30 miles from Los Angeles.
Looking forward, the ICC is expected to push for a larger Olympic cricket format for the Brisbane 2032 Games. This goal might gain momentum if Ahmedabad secures hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics, where cricket would be a likely centerpiece. Other bidders for 2036 include Doha, Istanbul, and Santiago.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is moving swiftly to establish a unified Team GB. Talks are underway with Cricket Scotland to form a new governing body—GB Cricket—which would manage Olympic preparations. A memorandum with Cricket Ireland is also in progress to enable Northern Irish players to compete under Team GB.
