Cricket Qualification Pathway Finalized for LA Olympics 2028
Cricket will officially return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, ending more than a century-long absence. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the qualification structure, sparking excitement worldwide as the sport prepares for this major global stage.
Event Details and Venue
The cricket tournament at LA 2028 will feature six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories. Matches are scheduled to begin on July 12, 2028, at the new Fairgrounds Stadium located about 50 kilometers from Los Angeles.
Qualification System
The ICC’s qualification framework aims to include broad international representation:
- Each of the five regions—Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas—receives one automatic berth for its top-ranked team.
- The sixth spot is decided via a global qualifying tournament.
- The United States, as host nation, gains direct entry.
Likely Qualifiers
Based on current rankings, the following teams are expected to qualify directly:
- India (Asia)
- Australia (Oceania)
- South Africa (Africa)
- United States (Americas)
- Great Britain or England (Europe)
The final slot will be awarded through the qualification tournament.
“Cricket is officially poised to return to the Olympics after more than a century, with the Los Angeles 2028 Games marking the sport’s long-awaited comeback.”
Fans and players see this as a crucial moment to boost cricket’s global reach and popularity at the Olympic level.
Summary: The ICC has confirmed a six-team format for both men’s and women’s cricket at LA 2028, with broad regional representation and the host nation guaranteed entry, marking cricket’s historic return to the Olympics.