DUBAI (Kashmir English): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided on the procedure for qualifying of men’s cricket team for the Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles.
According to British media, the ICC will use the regional qualifying formula for the Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles. The top-ranked team from all the regions will directly qualify for the event, as per the proposal by the ICC.
According to the report, the United States of America will directly qualify as the host of the event; however, the procedure for the sixth team is yet to be decided.
Moreover, Pakistan and New Zealand have shown concern about the qualifying procedure by the ICC.
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 being the top-ranked in Asia.
The New Zealand team from their region will not be able to qualify for the Olympics despite being fourth in the world ranking. The number 2 team in the world ranking, Australia, will qualify from the region.
USA, being 17th in the ICC ranking, will still qualify because of the hosting rights it has, and from Europe, the Great Britain team will take part in the event.
The England Cricket Board has started consultation with Scotland and Ireland for the formation of the team.
Cricket, which is returning to the Olympics after 128 years, will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, with the qualification of the women’s teams to be decided at next year’s T20 World Cup.
According to British media, the International Olympic Committee has supported the ICC’s regional qualifying format.
