New Zealand and Pakistan are reportedly set to miss qualification for the 2028 LA Games on cricket’s return to the Olympics for the first time in 128 years.
Cricket is set to return to the Olympics for the first time since 1900 at the LA28 Games, where six teams will compete in both men's and women's T20 formats.
However, a Guardian report suggests New Zealand and Pakistan might miss the men's tournament after the International Cricket Council (ICC) finalised its qualification pathway during July's Annual General Meeting in Singapore.
New Zealand, Pakistan set to miss LA28 Olympics due to regional qualification
The report indicates the ICC has adopted a regional qualification system aligned with the International Olympic Committee standards. Each of five continents - Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and the Americas - will have representation. Under this proposed pathway, India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), Great Britain (Europe), and South Africa (Africa) would qualify as continental representatives based on their current T20I rankings, while the USA (Americas) would gain automatic entry as hosts.
Also read: Predicted: India's XI For Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
New Zealand, currently fourth in the men's T20I rankings, trail Oceania's top team, Australia, who are ranked second. Teams like Pakistan (8th) would also miss out on top-ranked India for the Asian slot if qualifications were determined by current rankings. According to the report, both Pakistan and New Zealand have expressed their displeasure with this proposed qualification system, though it remains subject to ICC ratification.
Pakistan have won just 5 of their 11 T20Is in 2025, losing two of the three series they’ve played.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 30, 2025
What’s gone wrong for Salman Agha’s side in the shortest format? 🤔#WIvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/oODd66oCFx
Great Britain's likely qualification from Europe stems from England currently ranking third in T20Is - the highest among European nations. An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo last year that discussions were underway with Cricket Scotland about forming a combined team to compete as Team GB at the Olympics.
USA qualification casts doubt on West Indies' participation
The USA's likely qualification as hosts could impact Caribbean teams' participation in the competition. However, according to the report, one team from the region might claim the Americas' regional slot if the USA fails to obtain National Governing Body (NGB) recognition from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) - a requirement for all sports at the LA28 Games. In July, the ICC reportedly advised USA Cricket to reorganise to meet this certification requirement.
With one of the six Olympic spots remaining open even if the USA qualify as hosts, this could create an entry opportunity for a Caribbean team - though the selection mechanism hasn't been finalised. In May, Cricket West Indies proposed an international qualifying tournament among its Olympic-affiliated members to determine the West Indies representative.
The report added: "Qualification for the Olympic women’s tournament will be decided by the T20 World Cup next year."
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