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After decades of anticipation, cricket is set to return to the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028. The prospect of an India–Pakistan clash has already set fans abuzz, yet the road to qualification is not straightforward.

The ICC has officially announced that a total of 12 teams will compete in cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA28, with six sides each in the men’s and women’s T20 tournaments, making up 28 matches overall. The format was finalised during the ICC Board’s recent meeting in Dubai, which also included discussions with the International Olympic Committee on integrating cricket in the broader multi-sport ecosystem framework.

The early proposal was to simply select the top six teams from the ICC T20I rankings, but that idea has been dropped. The ICC Board has instead chosen a qualification pathway aimed at achieving greater geographical diversity.

A senior cricket administrator who was part of the recent ICC meetings in Dubai revealed that the consensus points toward each continent or region sending its highest-ranked side, while the final berth will be determined through a global qualifier. The official referred to this arrangement as a nearly finalised roadmap, with specific details expected to be confirmed later, according to the Times of India.

The ICC’s press note also stressed the significance and sentiment attached to cricket’s LA28 participation, stating:

“The Board discussed the ICC’s continued collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Los Angeles 2028 Games, as cricket strengthens its presence within the global multi-sport arena. The LA28 schedule will feature men’s and women’s T20 tournaments, each involving six teams and a total of 28 matches.”

Pakistan’s chances will likely be influenced by ranking fluctuations and the configuration of the global qualifying event in the lead-up to 2028. Even if India and Pakistan both make the cut, a potential meeting would hinge on how the tournament groups and knockouts are structured.

Cricket is set to return to the Olympic arena, but whether fans witness the dream rivalry will hinge on rankings, regional dynamics, and a crucial qualifier.