Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games for the first time since Paris 1900, with the ICC Board discussing the qualification formula for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
According to media reports, the ICC has confirmed that six men’s and six women’s teams will participate in the Olympic cricket events. However, the proposed formula does not guarantee a Pakistan-India matchup.
Initial ideas suggested that the top six teams in the ICC T20 rankings would qualify directly. Current discussions, however, indicate that the top five teams from each continent will qualify, while the sixth spot will be determined through a global qualifier tournament.
Based on current rankings, India is likely to qualify from Asia, Australia from Oceania, England from Europe, and South Africa from Africa. The USA, as host nation, may claim a spot, with West Indies also in contention. The ICC is expected to release official details soon, including the global qualifier schedule.
Officials stressed that while the framework has been discussed, final confirmation and formal announcements will follow in the coming months.
