The International Cricket Council (ICC) is finalising a regional qualification system for cricket’s highly anticipated return to the Olympics in 2028. This proposed pathway, discussed at a recent board meeting, would grant automatic berths to the top-ranked team from each continent, potentially preventing a marquee Pakistan-India matchup at the Los Angeles Games.
Under the current plan, six teams will qualify for the men’s and women’s T20 tournaments. The system would send the highest-ranked team from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Europe directly to the Games.
This continental model would likely secure spots for India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), South Africa (Africa), and the United Kingdom (Europe). However, a key question remains regarding the Americas, where both the United States (as host nation) and the West Indies are in contention for the fifth automatic berth.
This formula, unfortunately, excludes several top cricketing nations from direct qualification. Powerhouse teams like Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh would need to seek an alternative route.
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The ICC proposal designates the sixth and final Olympic spot to the winner of a global qualifier tournament. This crucial competition would feature the high-ranking teams that missed out on automatic continental qualification.
A veteran administrator familiar with the Dubai meeting confirmed the status of the plan. “The roadmap has more or less been frozen,” they stated, adding that the ICC will share full details shortly. The ICC has already confirmed the tournament dates for LA 2028. The cricket events will take place from July 12 to July 29, featuring the T20 format for both men’s and women’s teams.
This Olympic appearance marks a historic comeback for cricket. The sport’s only previous inclusion was 128 years ago at the 1900 Paris Games.
