New Delhi: Pakistan’s chances of featuring in the cricket competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics appear slim following the introduction of a continent based qualification system. The new structure, confirmed during a recent board meeting in Dubai, outlines that only six men’s and six women’s teams will compete in the quadrennial event, each representing a different region.
The decision marks a shift from relying on ICC T20 International rankings. Instead, the top performing team from each continent will secure an automatic berth, with the final spot to be decided through a global qualifier. Under current rankings and regional strength, India is positioned as Asia’s leading contender, which means Pakistan would miss out unless the qualification format allows more than one team from the continent.
Cricket fans often anticipate high intensity India versus Pakistan clashes in global tournaments, but the new system reduces the likelihood of such a meeting at the Olympics. India and Pakistan most recently met three times in the 2025 Asia Cup, all of which ended in India’s favour. Their next possible encounter is expected at the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Olympics, however, may not provide a stage for the rivalry unless Pakistan finds an alternate route into the final lineup.
Based on the current outline, the likely qualifiers include India from Asia, Australia from Oceania, England from Europe, and South Africa from Africa. The status of the host nation, the United States, remains unclear, as does the possibility of West Indies entering the competition through a separate pathway. Further clarity on the global qualifier and selection procedures is expected soon.
The ICC has described the event at LA 2028 as a significant step in strengthening cricket’s presence in the wider multisport arena. The tournament will feature 28 matches and is scheduled to begin on July 12, 2028. For Pakistan, the only realistic opportunity to secure a place may arise if the governing body revises the continental limit and allows two Asian teams to participate.
