Credit: ICC
The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) new proposal has become a talking point as two major teams New Zealand and Pakistan may not be allowed to show up in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, which will feature cricket after 128 years. The cricket segment will allow the participation of six sides and ICC is yet to reveal the formal qualification process, but there are reports that in the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Singapore, the cricket’s apex body decided on five on six spots through continental qualifications. This process has created a sense of unease among two sides Pakistan and New Zealand.
As per the UK-based media house, The Guardian, the regional qualifiers stipulate that the highest-ranking T20 international (T20I) team from each continent, that is Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, will be granted permission to appear in the LA28 games. If this happens, India from Asia and Australia from Oceania will get to enter the tournament, while Pakistan and New Zealand might be left out.
The United States of America (USA), who will be hosting the event will qualify for the tournament automatically, and this development can jeopardise chances of West Indies’ participation. However, the place could be offered to the Windies side in case the USA cricket board fails to resign on time as demanded by the ICC linked to their governance issues.
ICC yet to decide on the qualification of the sixth team: Report
ICC is yet to decide on the qualification process of the sixth side. Discussing the qualification process of women’s teams, it will be decided according to the standings in the T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in England and Wales.
This procedure will help England Women’s to become the host of the major event to be played in Los Angeles. After the latest news, eyes will be set how ICC reacts to the dissent reportedly displayed by New Zealand and Pakistan regarding the qualification process linked to men’s sides
