Cricket is set to make a comeback at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 after 128 years, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have finalized the qualification pathway for the men’s and women’s T20 competitions. The qualification system outlines that six teams will participate in each event, with five spots determined through existing ICC events and T20I rankings, while the sixth spot will be decided through the new ICC Olympics Qualifier in 2027.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed enthusiasm, calling this development a significant moment for cricket globally. He highlighted the opportunity to showcase the sport’s best talent to a wider audience and emphasized the importance of cricket’s return to the Olympic stage. Shah also noted the potential for cricket to expand its reach and engage new fans worldwide through the Olympic Games.
The upcoming LA28 Olympics will feature separate men’s and women’s T20 competitions, with squads of up to 15 players in each team. The qualification process ensures representation from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania in both events. For the men’s competition, the highest-ranked teams from these regions as of December 31, 2026, will secure direct qualification, along with the host nation, the USA. The women’s pathway includes the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as the primary qualifying tournament.
The qualification structure also addresses specific cases like the West Indies, which will have a dedicated Caribbean Qualifier due to its composite ICC membership. The inaugural ICC Olympics Qualifier in 2027 will involve eight teams in both men’s and women’s categories, aiming to enhance competitiveness and global representation in line with IOC guidelines. The tournaments in LA28 will consist of two groups of three teams each, culminating in a total of 28 matches across both competitions.
