The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have announced the qualification pathway for cricket’s return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 (LA28), confirming the introduction of the first-ever ICC Olympics Qualifier.
Six teams will compete in both the men’s and women’s T20 cricket events at LA28, with guaranteed representation from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.
Five of these places will be decided through a combination of ICC events and the ICC T20I rankings, based on the established Future Tours Program structure.
The remaining sixth spot in both categories will be determined through a dedicated ICC Olympics Qualifier scheduled for 2027.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has already confirmed initial qualifiers, with Australia, India, South Africa, and Great Britain (representing England) securing places as the highest-ranked eligible teams from their respective regions, with only one slot allowed per continent.
The West Indies, as a multi-nation ICC member not recognized as a single Olympic National Olympic Committee, are ineligible for direct Olympic qualification.
However, if their men’s or women’s teams rank among the top eight unqualified sides by December 31, 2026, a special Caribbean qualifying pathway will be created.
As hosts, the United States may qualify directly for both events if they rank within the top 15 during the qualification window from June to December 2026. If they fail to meet the requirement, their spot will be redistributed based on ICC rankings.
The final Olympic berths will be decided through rankings and the 2027 ICC Olympics Qualifier, which will feature eight teams in each category, completing the lineup for cricket’s historic return to the Olympics.
