For cricket lovers around the world, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is shaping up to be something special. After more than a century, cricket is finally returning to the Olympic stage—and in the shortest, fastest format of them all: T20. But here’s the catch—Pakistan might not make the cut.
Only Six Spots, Big Dreams
Unlike ICC events, Olympic cricket won’t feature ten or twelve teams. Just six. Yes, only six men’s and six women’s teams will get to compete in LA.
That’s a big blow for many cricketing nations. Especially when the top six in the ICC T20I rankings are likely to be the ones heading to Hollywood. Right now, Pakistan sits at number seven—just outside the bubble.
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India, Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies, and South Africa currently occupy those golden spots.
Unless Pakistan climbs up the rankings fast, their dream of playing at the Olympics may remain just that—a dream.
Host Nation Dilemma: Will USA Get a Free Pass?
One twist in the story is whether the United States, as the host nation, will get automatic qualification. If that happens, it means only five other teams will make it based on rankings. The competition will get even tougher.
The official qualification pathway hasn’t been finalised yet, but it’s expected to be announced later this year.
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Now here’s another unique Olympic curveball—the West Indies issue. In ICC tournaments, they play as one team. But in the Olympics, Caribbean countries compete separately. So who represents them?
We saw this play out at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. There, Barbados took part on behalf of the West Indies because they won the regional tournament. Will it be the same story for LA28? Possibly. But again, nothing’s confirmed.
Time Is Ticking for Pakistan
With all these uncertainties around the LA Olympics 2028, one thing is clear—Pakistan needs to act fast. Climbing up to the top six in the T20I rankings won’t be easy, but it’s the only straightforward route available—for now.
And for a country that won the T20 World Cup in 2009, missing out on the Olympics would be heartbreaking.
If Pakistan wants to be part of history in 2028, the push has to start now—on the field, in the rankings, and in the boardroom. Because let’s be honest—a cricket Olympics without Pakistan just wouldn’t feel complete.
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