Pakistan is reportedly gearing up to fight for a spot in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cricket event and plans to contact the organizers to ensure their participation. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) doesn't want to miss out on this historic opportunity.
With only six teams competing in both the men's and women's categories, the qualification pathways are crucial. Word is that the current framework favors regional qualification, potentially leaving Pakistan and New Zealand, among other prominent cricket-playing nations, out of the competition. It is believed that India and Australia are set to qualify directly based on their regional rankings in Asia and Oceania, respectively. Other likely qualifiers include Great Britain (Europe), South Africa (Africa), and the United States as the host nation. This leaves one spot open, with speculation that it could go to a Caribbean nation or another Asian team.
A PCB source stated, "Olympics are a prestigious event, and with cricket included, we cannot afford to miss out". To that end, the PCB intends to send a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the LA Games Committee, urging them to announce a qualification cut-off date, ideally one year before the Games. The PCB is also reportedly in talks with New Zealand Cricket to push for a qualifying event for teams that might miss out based on the current qualification structure. The source added, "Pakistan will definitely fight for an Olympic place, at least for the men's team".
The PCB is concerned about the lack of a transparent qualification structure. To address this, the PCB may propose setting the rankings cut-off after the 2026 T20 World Cup or introducing a dedicated qualifying tournament to give all top cricketing nations a fair chance. As of now, Pakistan is ranked eighth in the ICC Men's T20I rankings. Strong performances in upcoming series could help them improve their position before any cut-off date is finalized.
According to the proposed regional qualification format, the top-ranked men's team in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa will automatically qualify for the tournament, along with the host nation, USA, representing the Americas.
The cricket matches at the LA 2028 Olympics are scheduled to be held from July 20 to 29, with the medal matches taking place on July 20 and 29. The venue for the matches will be the Fairgrounds Stadium in the city of Pomena, about 50km from Los Angeles. A total of six teams each in the men's and women's sections, comprising 180 players, will compete in the T20 format.
For Pakistan, securing a place in the 2028 Olympics goes beyond just qualification. It's about restoring national pride, seizing a rare opportunity to win a medal, and ensuring their presence on the world's biggest sporting stage. The PCB recognizes the significance of the Olympics and is determined to take all necessary steps to ensure Pakistan's participation.
