Cricket will make a comeback to the Olympic Games after 128 years at Los Angeles 2028, with both men’s and women’s T20 tournaments featuring six teams each. The qualification system, approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), outlines separate pathways for men’s and women’s events. For the men’s competition, four teams will qualify directly through the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, while the United States, as hosts, have a guaranteed spot if they meet the ICC’s eligibility criteria.
The women’s qualification process differs, with the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup serving as the primary qualifying event. The top teams from different continents at the end of the tournament will secure direct qualification. Notably, the West Indies, though a combined team in ICC events, must compete through regional qualifiers due to IOC regulations. The qualification timeline starts with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, with final tournaments for both men and women yet to be scheduled.
The qualification document emphasizes that only rankings of Olympic-recognized National Olympic Committees will be considered. Great Britain will be represented by England alone in the cricket qualification process. Cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics was confirmed in 2023, with the T20 format selected for both men’s and women’s competitions. The IOC has approved qualification systems for various sports at LA28, with athletics and football remaining to be finalized.
