Cricket Returns to the Olympics: Qualification Challenges for LA28

Cricket's Olympic Comeback

After a lengthy absence of 128 years, cricket is set to make its return to the Olympic Games during the Los Angeles edition in 2028. With just three years left until the LA28 Olympics, a pressing question remains: how will teams qualify for the six-team T20 tournament? The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to address this matter, leaving many uncertainties surrounding the sport's inclusion. A decision is expected during the ICC Annual General Meeting scheduled for July 13-17 in Singapore, where the possibility of a qualifying event for Olympic cricket is anticipated.

Qualification Process for LA28

According to reports, including insights from Forbes, the ICC is considering two potential pathways for qualification: utilizing T20I team rankings or organizing a qualification tournament. The cricket events at the LA28 Olympics are set to take place from July 12 to 29, 2028, in Pomona, near Los Angeles. While relying on T20I rankings could streamline the qualification process, some ICC members have proposed a tournament that would include several top associate nations. This approach, however, could complicate matters, as it would require adjustments to the existing Men's Future Tours Program (FTP) for 2023-27.

Challenges Ahead

Organizing a qualification tournament may prove difficult due to the packed cricket calendar, which is heavily influenced by T20 leagues. The Indian Premier League (IPL), for instance, has a dedicated two-month window within the ICC FTP and is unlikely to be rescheduled. Additionally, the traditional Test summer in England and Australia will remain unchanged, leaving limited opportunities for a standalone qualification event. Alternatively, the T20 World Cup 2028 could serve as a qualifying tournament for the Olympics, similar to how the World Championships in athletics operate, where semifinalists gain automatic entry, excluding the host nation and the top-ranked team.