• Source:JND
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Cricket's long wait to make an appearance at the Olympics will finally end in Los Angeles in 2028. Since fans are already looking forward to this event, with an India vs Pakistan match being held in the Olympics, the qualification route looks far more difficult. The ICC has revealed that 12 teams will be seen in action in the men's and women's T20 event in LA28, with six teams in each event playing in 28 matches.

This was confirmed in a recent ICC board meeting, along with the IOC, on how this sport will fit into the multi-sport event.

How the Olympic qualification will work

The initial plan was simple- select the top six teams as per the ICC T20I rankings. But now that plan has been revoked. The ICC has now gone for a more balanced route.

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As per an official, who was part of the ICC meeting, each continent will be sending its top-ranked team, and a global qualifier will then decide its last spot. The official said that this roadmap is less frozen, with more details to be revealed soon, as per the Times of India.

At the same time, ICC released a statement which talked about the symbolism of LA28 cricket and said, “The Board reviewed the ICC’s ongoing engagement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, as cricket deepens its footprint in the global multisport landscape. At LA28, both men’s and women’s T20 events will feature six teams each, comprising 28 matches in total.”

Why the India vs Pakistan clash is still uncertain

As per the current rankings, a regional cut-off will help India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), England (Europe), and South Africa gain direct qualification. The remaining position will lead to complications around America, as they are the host or another representative, or help the West Indies gain some form.

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As far as the Men in Green are concerned, a lot will depend on their rankings, and, according to the rules of the global qualifier, closer to 2028. And if both India and Pakistan face off in LA28, then group composition and knockouts will reveal whether they will really play against each other or not.

Cricket will be making a comeback to the Olympics again. Whether it delivers its promise will depend on ranking and one high-stakes qualifier.

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