“As cricket eyes Olympic glory, some of the sport’s biggest names may watch from the sidelines.”
Cricket is set to make its long-awaited return to the Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles, but not all major cricketing nations are guaranteed a place. Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand are currently at risk of missing out on the historic event due to their positions in the ICC T20I rankings and the qualification pathway set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
With only six to eight teams expected to participate in the Olympic tournament, qualification will be fiercely competitive. The ICC is likely to use a combination of global rankings and qualification tournaments to determine the final line-up, placing increased pressure on mid-ranked teams to improve their standings in the lead-up to 2028.
For Sri Lanka, recent inconsistencies in T20 cricket have hindered their progress, despite a strong cricketing legacy. Pakistan, a former T20 World Cup champion, has also faced setbacks in recent series. Meanwhile, New Zealand, known for their competitive spirit, may face a tough fight if they drop further in rankings.
If current trends continue, these cricketing nations may face the unthinkable—missing out on cricket’s Olympic return, a moment many have waited decades for.
The coming years will be crucial as teams scramble to secure their Olympic spot, knowing that missing this opportunity could mean staying out of one of cricket’s most globally visible stages.