No India-Pakistan At Olympics 2028? Only 1 Asian Team To Directly Qualify
Cricket has taken a major step towards increasing its global appeal by securing a ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. However, only six teams will be able to make it to the final T20 matches to compete for the Gold, and that includes the host, the United States of America, leaving five other teams.
According to a report in Forbes, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to use regional rankings to decide which teams will go ahead. This means only the top-ranked team in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa will automatically qualify for the tournament. The final pace will be decided by a qualifier.
Earlier, there were concerns about finding a window in cricket's already packed calendars for the qualifiers and other logistical doubts. However, as per the report, the ICC is happy with hosting one qualifying tournament. Separately, the West Indies, which comprises several small islands and is not a recognised country, are likely to hold their individual tournament to determine which country will play the qualifier.
Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup will determine the women's Olympic spots and there's uncertainty over the USA's participation.
Cricket's return to the Olympics after over a century will take place at the Fairgrounds Stadium in the city of Pomona, about 50km from Los Angeles, starting on July 12, with the medal matches scheduled for July 20 and 29, 2028.
'When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighbourhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy. We are already delivering that legacy as we announce there have been more than one million enrollments in PlayLA. I want to thank LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for making these programs possible and for their continued work to host the greatest Games yet," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a recent statement.
USA cricket given more time
Meanwhile, the report added, USA Cricket is set to avoid suspension of its ICC membership. The world body is set to give it three months to address its governance issues. The ICC had earlier asked the board to resign en masse, but faced resistance. The board is under increased scrutiny in light of the Olympics.
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