No India vs Pakistan Clash at 2028 Olympics? ICC Likely to Approve One Team Per Continent Qualification

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is gearing up to finalize the qualification process for cricket’s historic return to the Olympics at the Los Angeles Games from July 14–29, 2028. The ICC is expected to approve a continental qualification system that will decide the six teams participating in both the men’s and women’s cricket events. This system could potentially prevent several full ICC members, including Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, from qualifying—meaning a possible absence of the iconic India-Pakistan rivalry on the Olympic stage.

Continental Qualification System Favored Over Ranking-Based Selection

In its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Singapore, the ICC discussed various qualification methods and leaned towards selecting one team per continent to ensure global representation. The earlier proposal of shortlisting six teams based purely on international rankings—common in other Olympic sports—was rejected. This ranking-based approach had faced opposition from several full members who argued it would limit opportunities for wider country representation.

The one-team-per-continent system more closely aligns with the Olympic ethos of broad participation and inclusivity. However, this makes the qualification race more intense, as only one team from Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas will secure their spot.

Potential Continental Qualifiers Based on Current T20 Rankings

If teams qualified through ICC T20 rankings (anticipated for both men’s and women’s events), the likely lineup would include:

Asia: India

Oceania: Australia

Europe: England

Americas: USA or a Caribbean island team

Africa: South Africa

The USA, as the host nation, may receive direct entry for the men’s team, but there remain concerns about the women’s team’s participation. The USA women’s cricket team is currently not ranked in the top 20 globally, and a majority of its players are not US-born naturalized citizens, raising eligibility questions.

Great Britain Cricket Formation

In preparation for the Olympics, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Scotland, and Cricket Ireland have united to form Great Britain Cricket. This joint entity allows players from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to compete together under the Great Britain banner at the Games.

Upcoming Decision

While the continental qualification system has majority support in the ICC, some dissent remains. The details are expected to be finalized during the ICC’s next quarterly meeting in October 2025.