The India vs Pakistan veterans’ match in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 was cancelled due to Indian players’ refusal to play against Pakistan citing geopolitical tensions, especially in light of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent escalation.
Several Indian legends, including Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh, pulled out of the WCL fixture against Pakistan, leading to the call-off of the match and India Champions withdrawing from the tournament’s semifinal against Pakistan Champions.
India vs Pakistan not happening at LA 2028
Amid this, the India vs Pakistan clash will not happen the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics due to the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s decision to implement a regional qualification format for the cricket event at the Olympics.
This qualification system grants direct entry only to the number 1-ranked men’s teams from Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa, plus the host team from the Americas (USA). As a result, Pakistan or India are unlikely to qualify together, as it will allow only the top placed continental team. This arrangement effectively eliminates the possibility of an India vs Pakistan match at the 2028 LA Olympics.
The ICC’s move aims for broader continental representation and aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s preference for ensuring participation from all major continents to keep the Olympics a truly global event. This qualification system is set to curb opportunities for various top cricketing nations from participating at the Olympics in 2028.
Are India or Pakistan guaranteed for Olympics Spot?
No, absolutely not. If India or Pakistan remain at the no. 1 position among the Asian countries at the cut-off time for Olympics qualification, then only either of them will advance for the tournament. If any other Asian countries stay on top during that period, they will be handed the opportunity. This pattern will be followed across the continents.