Cricket is making a comeback to the Olympics after more than a century, with the Los Angeles 2028 Games set to feature the sport. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently outlined the selection process for the six teams competing in both men’s and women’s events.
Key Details of the Cricket Selection Process for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
During a Board meeting held in Dubai, the ICC confirmed that six teams from each gender will participate. This marks the first Olympic appearance for cricket since the 1900 Paris Games.
Selection Criteria for Teams
- Top teams from each cricketing region will secure spots.
- The sixth team will qualify through a global qualifier.
The initial plan to select only the top six teams based on T20I rankings has been revised. Instead, the format will include the best team from each continent, ensuring a more diverse representation:
- Asia: India
- Oceania: Australia
- Europe: England
- Africa: South Africa
A decision regarding the Americas will be particularly intriguing, as the host nation, the USA, might compete for qualification alongside the West Indies. The ICC is expected to release further details about the global qualifier shortly.
Potential Matchups and Events
Possible matchups could include a long-awaited India vs. Pakistan clash, depending on the outcomes of the global qualifier. The ICC has emphasized the growing success of women’s cricket and its alignment with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the LA28 Games.
At the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, both the men’s and women’s T20 cricket events will feature a total of six teams, culminating in 28 matches across the tournaments.
