Cricket Returns to the Olympics: Qualification System for LA 2028 Unveiled
Cricket's Olympic Comeback
The qualification framework for cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has been officially released following the endorsement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board, as reported by a leading sports news outlet.
Cricket will make its Olympic return at LA28, marking its first participation in 128 years since the Paris 1900 Games. The competition will feature distinct men's and women's T20 tournaments, each comprising six teams. Each team can include a maximum of 15 players, with a total of 90 athlete slots available for both tournaments. In total, there will be 28 matches played across these events.
This approval signifies a significant step forward in the qualification process for the LA Games, with systems for 49 sports and disciplines having been validated since December 2025. Boxing and water polo were the latest sports to gain approval in May 2026. Currently, athletics and football are the only remaining sports awaiting confirmation of their qualification pathways, which are anticipated to be announced shortly.
Additionally, the IOC Executive Board has approved modifications to the surfing qualification system for the LA28 Games. While the overall number of athlete slots remains the same, the allocation of spots between events organized by the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the World Surf League (WSL) has been adjusted. These changes aim to ensure that the top surfers globally can qualify while also offering equitable opportunities for athletes from a broader range of nations.
The qualification timeline will stay the same, spanning from 2026 to 2028, with updates made to the sequence and priority of qualifying events prior to the final distribution of Olympic spots. The LA28 qualification systems are structured to provide athletes with multiple qualification opportunities, enhance continental and global representation, minimize travel burdens, and afford National Olympic Committees (NOCs), athletes, and their support teams ample time and clarity for preparation.
Importantly, each International Federation (IF) is responsible for establishing the qualification criteria and participation regulations for its respective sport at the Olympic Games, adhering to the Olympic Charter. These qualification frameworks must be submitted to the IOC Executive Board for approval. All qualification systems for LA28 have been developed in accordance with the Qualification System Principles (QSP) ratified by the IOC Executive Board in March 2025.