Islamabad, July 31, 2025: Pakistan is likely to miss out on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as the ICC’s new regional qualification model for cricket limits participation, raising concerns over fairness and representation.
Cricket is set to make a historic return to the Olympic Games in 2028 after a gap of 128 years, but Pakistan may not be part of the action. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalized a new regional qualification model for the T20 format, which is expected to limit the number of participating teams to just six for both men’s and women’s events.
According to multiple reports, the new structure heavily favours top-ranked or host-region teams, creating a challenging pathway for traditional cricketing nations like Pakistan and New Zealand, who now face the risk of exclusion. Both countries have formally raised concerns over the fairness and practicality of the proposed model.
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The ICC’s decision has sparked widespread debate, particularly among full-member nations who have historically contributed to the global growth of cricket. Critics argue that the pathway prioritizes geographic balance over competitive merit, potentially sidelining stronger teams in favor of regional representation.
As discussions continue, Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain. With the cricketing world preparing for a major milestone at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the absence of a cricket powerhouse like Pakistan could raise questions about the inclusivity and effectiveness of the qualification system.
