The ICC has decided on the method for qualifying men’s cricket teams under the Cricket Decisions for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
According to British media, the ICC will use a regional qualifying formula for the Olympics, with the top ranked team from Asia, Oceania, Africa and Europe regions proposed to qualify directly.
According to the report, the United States will participate in the Olympics as the host, the method for qualifying the sixth team is yet to be decided, the New Zealand and Pakistan Cricket Boards are unhappy with this format of the ICC.
The Pakistan and New Zealand Cricket Boards criticized the decision of the regional top teams, under this formula, it will be difficult for the Pakistan team to reach the Olympics directly. Pakistan’s current ICC ranking is eighth while India’s is first. India will qualify directly for the Olympics due to its top rank in Asia.
The New Zealand team from the Oceania region will not be able to qualify for the Olympics despite being ranked fourth in the world rankings. The number 2 team in the world rankings, Australia, will qualify from the Oceania region.
The United States, as the host, will qualify despite being ranked 17th in the rankings, and the Great Britain team from Europe will qualify.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has begun discussions with Scotland and Cricket Ireland to form the Great Britain team.
Cricket, which is returning to the Olympics after 128 years, will feature 6 men’s and 6 women’s teams. The qualification of the women’s teams will be decided in next year’s T20 World Cup.
According to British media, the International Olympic Committee has supported the ICC’s regional qualifying format.
