Cricket is set to return to the Olympics after 128 years, with the sport included in the 2028 Games. Six men’s and six women’s teams will compete for medals in the tournament.
The Olympic committee has announced that only one team from each of the six cricket-playing regions will be allowed to participate, with the host nation, the USA, receiving automatic qualification.
Olympic Qualification Model Faces Criticism for Limiting Opportunities
Reports suggest the ICC is leaning toward a regional qualification model. Under this system, the top-ranked T20I team from each region, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa, will qualify directly. The final spot would be decided through a separate qualifying tournament.
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This model makes it difficult for Pakistan to qualify directly. Instead, they are likely to compete in the regional qualifier alongside other Asian teams.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, who is also an ICC board director and a member of the Olympic working group, has opposed the ranking-based model.
“We should make the most of cricket being in the Olympics and have qualifying tournaments instead of rankings, which don’t make sense in terms of trying to develop the sport,” Mukuhlani told Forbes.
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Mukuhlani Advocates Qualifiers Over Rankings, Calls for Fairer Olympic Path for All Nations
He suggested using a qualification tournament rather than relying on the rankings.
“We should make the most of cricket being in the Olympics and have qualifying tournaments instead of rankings, which don’t make sense in terms of trying to develop the sport,” Mukuhlani told Forbes.
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He further argued that the process favors Full Member nations and is unfair to Associate countries.
“The qualifying tournaments should be for everyone and not just Full Members (cricket’s 12 nations who receive the most power and funds). It’s fairer, and if you look at other major sports, like football and basketball, you see some amazing things happen where underdog nations qualify,” he added.
ICC Debates Qualification Model Ahead of Singapore Meeting; LA28 Cricket Schedule Confirmed
The ICC is still debating the qualification model and will hold a meeting in Singapore to discuss the matter further. Some members support the current approach, viewing it as the most cost-effective and efficient option.
“Discussions will be focused on what is the best option, and there is the cost factor to consider. But inclusivity has to be a factor too, and it would be great to showcase a curtain-raiser before the Olympics,” said Sumod Damodar, one of the three Associate Member representatives on the Chief Executives’ Committee, as quoted by Firstpost.
The LA28 Olympic cricket matches will be held at a temporary stadium in Pomona, Los Angeles, from July 12 to 29, 2028. Medal matches will be played on July 20 and 29.
