Cricket is set to make its return to the Summer Olympics after 128 years, with six teams to compete in both men’s and women’s T20 formats at the LA28 Games. However, former champions Pakistan and New Zealand are expected to be excluded after the ICC reportedly finalized the qualification process during its recent AGM in Singapore.
The ICC has opted for a regional qualification model. Under this system, the top-ranked T20I teams from Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa will qualify automatically, alongside the USA as host, representing the Americas. This format could also affect the West Indies’ eligibility.
Based on current rankings, India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), Great Britain (Europe), and South Africa (Africa) would qualify, leaving out Pakistan (ranked 8th) and Sri Lanka (7th) in Asia, as well as New Zealand (4th) in Oceania behind second-ranked Australia.
Both Pakistan and New Zealand have expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC’s approach, though the system is unlikely to be reversed despite not being formally approved yet.
Interestingly, even the USA’s participation isn’t guaranteed. Despite hosting, the country must secure recognition from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as an official National Governing Body (NGB) for cricket to compete under the Olympic Charter. The USA showed promise during the 2024 T20 World Cup, reaching the Super Eight and defeating Pakistan in the group stage.
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