Pakistan’s Olympic cricket dream in jeopardy as rankings slip

LAHORE: Cricket’s long-awaited return to the Olympics is generating worldwide excitement ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, but for Pakistan, the dream of competing in the event is facing a serious threat.

As per the latest ICC Men’s T20I annual rankings, Pakistan has dropped to No. 8, raising concerns about its qualification chances for cricket’s Olympic comeback. With only six teams set to contest the event, Pakistan’s position outside the cut-off zone puts them at risk of missing out on this historic opportunity.

Although the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to confirm an official qualification system, current speculation suggests that rankings, rather than a separate qualifying tournament, will be used to determine Olympic spots, with a cut-off likely set in 2026.

For a nation that has long been regarded as a T20 powerhouse, Pakistan’s ranking decline signals a turbulent period marked by inconsistent performances, leadership changes, and the inability to close out crucial series.

Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics—returning for the first time since 1900—represents a watershed moment for the sport. With it comes unprecedented exposure, financial incentives, and the opportunity to expand into untapped markets. For Pakistan, missing out would not only be a sporting setback but a national disappointment, given its deep cricketing heritage.

Despite the ranking concerns, Pakistan still has a path to qualification if it can turn its fortunes around. The upcoming 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup present crucial opportunities for Pakistan to climb back into contention before the Olympic qualification deadline.

Having won the ICC World T20 in 2009 and reached the final in 2022, Pakistan has historically been a force in T20 cricket.

However, missing out on the Olympics would be a massive blow, leaving a gap in the nation’s cricketing legacy.