The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly settled the qualification format for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics cricket event. This marks the sport’s long-awaited return to the Olympic Games after more than a century. With several nations competing for limited spots, the ICC has decided how six teams will make it to the Olympics.
Earlier, there were suggestions that the top six teams in ICC rankings might automatically qualify. However, that proposal was dismissed during the ICC’s meeting in Dubai. The governing body instead agreed to select the top-ranked team from each continent. The final spot will be determined through a global qualifying event.
“There have been discussions around the participation of teams, and it has been decided that the six teams will come through the top-ranked team from each region/continent, while the sixth comes from the global qualifier. The details will be shared by the ICC in due course, but the roadmap has more or less been frozen,” a veteran administrator who was part of the meeting in Dubai was quoted as saying by Times of India.
If this structure receives approval, current rankings indicate India will represent Asia and Australia from Oceania. England is likely to qualify from Europe, while South Africa will represent Africa. The spot from the Americas is still uncertain, with USA (hosts) and West Indies both in contention. More details about the global qualifier are expected soon.
India vs Pakistan Clash Unlikely at LA Olympics
Cricket’s biggest rivalry, India vs Pakistan, might not feature at the 2028 Olympics. For Pakistan to participate, they would need to win the global qualifier, which is expected to be highly competitive.
“The Board reviewed the ICC’s ongoing engagement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), as cricket deepens its footprint in the global multisport landscape. At LA28, both the men’s and women’s T20 events will feature six teams each, comprising 28 matches in total,” stated the ICC media release.
The inclusion of cricket in LA28 is seen as a major breakthrough for the sport’s international growth. Both men’s and women’s T20 formats will be showcased, offering cricket a new global audience on the Olympic stage.
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