Cricket will return to the Olympics after more than 100 years and the International Cricket Council (ICC) is finalising how teams will qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. As per reports, the ICC is likely to approve a continental qualification system that will decide which six nations take part in the men’s and women’s T20 competitions.
This model, which was discussed at the recent ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM), focuses on giving each continent a chance to be represented. The plan supports the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) idea of global participation over pure rankings. If approved, the system could result in high-ranking teams like Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka missing out.
Initially, the ICC had considered selecting the top six ranked teams at a cut-off date, but many boards disagreed with this approach. They felt it left out large parts of the cricket world.
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One Team Per Continent: Who Qualifies?
Under this system, one team from each continent, which is Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas, will get a place in the Olympics. The sixth and final spot is likely to be decided through a global qualifying tournament, although the ICC has not yet finalised those details.
If current rankings are used, India (Asia), South Africa (Africa), England (Europe), and Australia (Oceania) are in the best position to qualify. For the Americas, the United States could get an automatic place as the host nation. However, there are still discussions happening around their eligibility, especially considering the USA men’s team does not have many US citizens, and the women’s team ranks even lower internationally.
This system could leave teams like Pakistan and New Zealand, both of whom are ranked higher than some qualifiers, without a place at the Olympics. This has caused concern among their cricket boards.
Special Cases: West Indies and Great Britain
The situation is even more complex for the West Indies, who usually play as a combined team in international cricket. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has suggested two possible options. One is to let Caribbean nations compete in a regional tournament and the other is to go through the global qualifier.
Meanwhile, England, Scotland, and Ireland have come together to form a Great Britain team. This combined team will represent Europe.
The final structure for the sixth spot as well as the exact qualification path for both the men's and women’s events is still being worked out. The ICC is expected to release a detailed roadmap soon.
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