Karachi: Pakistan has intensified its lobbying efforts to secure a place in cricket’s historic return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.

According to reports, both Pakistan and New Zealand are likely to be left out.

The organizers are expected to follow the regional qualification format, which is a common practice in various Olympic sports. According to current talks, India (Asia) and Australia (Oceania) will qualify directly based on their respective regional rankings.

Other possible qualifiers include Great Britain (Europe), South Africa (Africa) and host nation the United States. The sixth and final spot is still uncertain, and there is speculation that it could be given to a Caribbean nation or another Asian team.

According to reports, Pakistan and New Zealand are at risk of not being able to qualify under the current qualification framework. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused to give up.

PCB sources said, “The Olympics is a prestigious event and when cricket is joining it, we cannot miss this opportunity.”

The sources added that “a letter will be sent to the ICC and the LA Games Committee requesting them to announce the last date for qualification, which should ideally be a year before the Games.”

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called on the PCB to take the initiative on the matter. “The Olympics is a prestigious game and a medal is at stake,” he said.

Rashid Latif said the PCB should approach both the ICC and the LA committee, and suggest that the T20 World Cup rankings in March next year be used as the qualification criteria.

It should be noted that cricket has been included in the Olympics for the second time since 1990, with LA 2028 scheduling men’s and women’s cricket matches between July 20 and 29.