IOC Set to Decide Afghanistan’s Fate in 2028 LA Olympics

• Afghanistan’s 2028 Olympics fate in IOC hands, says ICC CEO.
• Concerns rise as 22 of 25 female players seek refuge post-Taliban.
• Hope for male team’s LA28, ICC and organizers plan event structure.

Geoff Allardice, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has clarified that the fate of Afghanistan’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics rests in the hands of the International Olympic Council (IOC). This comes as Afghanistan’s female cricket players, forced into exile due to the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, face an uncertain future.

While cricket received approval for inclusion in the LA28 Olympics in October, the final decision lies with the IOC. The proposed T20 format, reflecting the sport’s popularity in Commonwealth nations and among younger audiences, has gained endorsement from the Olympic governing body. The six-team format, encompassing both male and female competitions, has secured approval, aligning with the emphasis on gender equality in sports at LA28.

Looking ahead to 2025, the LA28 organizers and the ICC are collaborating to establish a competitive structure and qualifying process for the teams. However, concerns loom over the future of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team. Since the Taliban assumed control in August 2021, 22 out of 25 contracted players have sought refuge abroad, rendering the team non-operational. In contrast, there is optimism for the male team’s participation in the 2028 event.

Geoff Allardice addressed the situation, highlighting that the position of the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan would be addressed by the IOC, which has been closely monitoring the progress of developments in the region.

“In terms of the position of the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, it’s probably something for the IOC to be able to address more accurately than me. But I know that they (IOC) have been following the progress or the developments there. Our position on cricket and supporting our members in Afghanistan is not dissimilar to those of other international sporting organizations,” Geoff stated in an interview with BBC.

As the uncertainty regarding Afghanistan’s participation in the Olympics prevails, the decision now lies with the IOC, shaping the narrative for cricket’s role in the global sporting spectacle. The challenges faced by female players in exile add a poignant layer to the discussion, emphasizing the broader issues of sport and gender in regions affected by political turmoil.

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