Pakistan, New Zealand Criticize ICC’s Olympic Qualification Format

For the first time in 128 years, cricket is returning to the Olympics, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalized the qualification method for the men’s cricket teams participating in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

According to British media reports, the ICC will use a regional qualification format for the Olympic games. Under this plan, the top-ranked teams from each region — Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Europe — will automatically qualify for the Olympics.

United States Qualifies as Host Nation

As the host nation, the United States will automatically secure a spot in the men’s cricket tournament, even though their current ICC ranking is 17th. In total, six men’s teams will participate in the event, but the method for selecting the sixth and final team is still under discussion and has not yet been decided.

Pakistan and New Zealand Express Concerns Over New Format

This proposed qualification system has sparked criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket Board, both of which are unhappy with the regional-based qualification format.

Under this system, Pakistan’s chances of directly qualifying for the Olympics become difficult. Currently, Pakistan holds the 8th position in the ICC rankings, while India holds the number one spot. Since India is the top-ranked team in Asia, it would qualify directly, leaving Pakistan out.

Similarly, New Zealand, which is ranked 4th globally, could miss out because Australia — ranked 2nd in the world — is also in the Oceania region and would take the direct qualification spot from that zone.

Europe’s Spot Likely to Go to Great Britain

From Europe, the team that will participate is likely to be Great Britain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is already in discussions with Scotland and Cricket Ireland to form a unified Great Britain team, similar to what is seen in other Olympic sports.

Women’s Teams to Be Decided via T20 World Cup

For the women’s cricket tournament, which will also feature six teams, the qualification will be based on performance in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for next year.

IOC Supports ICC’s Qualification Format

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given its support to the ICC’s regional qualification method. Despite the criticism from some cricket boards, the format seems to be moving forward as the official route for Olympic qualification.

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