Cricket Returns to the Olympics: Six Teams Set for LA 2028

Cricket's Olympic Comeback

After a long absence of 128 years, cricket is making a triumphant return to the Olympic Games, with six teams set to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This exciting announcement was made by the event organizers on Wednesday.

The last time cricket was part of the Olympics was during the 1900 Games in Paris, where a unique two-day match took place between Great Britain and France, now considered an unofficial Test match.

At the upcoming LA 2028, the cricket competitions will feature the T20 format, with both men's and women's teams vying for the gold medal.

Each participating team will be allowed to select a squad of 15 players, totaling 90 athlete spots available for each gender.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) includes 12 full members: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe.

Additionally, there are 94 countries that are part of the associate members group.

While the qualification criteria for the cricket tournament at the 2028 Games are still pending, it is anticipated that the USA will secure a direct entry as the host nation, leaving five spots available for other teams through the qualification process.

Cricket is among five new sports that will debut at the next Olympic Games, as approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2023, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash.