The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalised the qualification process for men’s cricket for the LA Olympics 2028. The decision was made during the ICC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Singapore from July 17 to 20.
ICC finalises qualification process for LA Olympics 2028
According to The Guardian, the ICC has decided to qualify on a regional basis. Top-ranked teams from Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa will qualify automatically for the LA Olympics 2028. Following this logic, India, Australia, Great Britain, and South Africa will seal four of the six spots.
As hosts, the USA will qualify as part of the Americas. However, that may change. Recently, the ICC had called for the resignation of the entire USA Cricket board as part of the roadmap for Olympic certification. Failure to accept would mean the USA’s spot will go to one of the Caribbean nations.
The last spot remains up for grabs. Perhaps the ICC will organise a tournament for the 5th and final place.
PCB and NZC unhappy with the decision
The Pakistan Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) aren’t pleased with the ICC’s decision. Despite having a better ranking than South Africa, 4th to 5th, New Zealand won’t be able to qualify, as Australia pips them as the current world no. 2 team in T20Is in Oceania.
Pakistan isn’t anywhere close to India, which is the top-ranked side, while they are 8th. Other strong Asian teams like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh won’t make it either.
No India vs Pakistan match in Olympics
This would mean there won’t be an India vs Pakistan cricket match. The reason behind cricket’s reintroduction has always been targeting the Indian viewership. Something the International Olympic Committee (IOC) hasn’t been able to generate yet. The timing of the men’s cricket matches will start in the early morning, Indian time, to cater to the Indian audience.
The IOC would like the biggest game of all, India vs Pakistan, but the ICC has decided otherwise. And the cricket body won’t, in all likelihood, reverse its decision irrespective of how the boards feel.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
