Pak to lobby for Olympic cricket spot at LA 2028

This will be cricket's only second appearance in the games since Paris 1900

LAHORE:

Pakistan are preparing to mount a strong lobbying effort to secure a place in cricket's historic return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, Telecomasia.net has learnt from informed sources, amid reports suggesting that both Pakistan and New Zealand are at risk of exclusion.

Cricket will make only its second appearance in Olympic history after a long hiatus since Paris 1900. The LA 2028 Games Organising Committee has scheduled the men's and women's cricket events for July 20–29, featuring six teams in each category.

The organisers are expected to follow a regional qualification format, a standard method across Olympic disciplines. According to current discussions, India (Asia) and Australia (Oceania) are set to qualify directly based on their respective regional rankings.

Other likely qualifiers include Great Britain (Europe), South Africa (Africa) and USA as the host nation. The sixth and final spot is still undecided, with speculation it could go to a Caribbean nation or another Asian team.

Both Pakistan and New Zealand are reportedly in danger of missing out on qualification under the current framework. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not ready to give up.

"Olympics are a prestigious event, and with cricket included, we cannot afford to miss out," a PCB source told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net). "A letter will be sent to both the ICC and the LA Games Committee urging them to announce a qualification cut-off date, ideally one year prior to the Games."

Meanwhile, former captain Rashid Latif has called on the PCB to take the initiative. "Olympics are prestigious, and a medal is at stake," Latif said. "The criteria should either reflect the percentage of teams in each region or a fair ranking-based cut-off date should be announced."

He further added: "PCB must engage with both the ICC and the LA committee, and suggest using the T20 World Cup standings in March next year as a qualification benchmark."

Hope is not lost for Pakistan despite being ranked eighth in the ICC Men's T20I rankings, Pakistan still has time to boost their position before any cut-off is finalised. Strong performances in upcoming series could help them break into the top bracket.

The PCB is determined not to let this golden opportunity slip away, especially with the chance to bring home an Olympic medal – a feat that could reignite national pride and global recognition for Pakistani cricket.