“Teams will battle through rankings, major events, and a final qualifier to reach LA28.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have confirmed the qualification pathway and tournament format for cricket’s return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The men’s and women’s competitions will use the T20 format, with six teams competing in each event. Five teams will qualify through ICC tournaments and T20I rankings. The first-ever ICC Olympics Qualifier in 2027 will decide the final place in both competitions.
The format guarantees representation from Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Host nation USA can also qualify if its men’s and women’s teams finish inside the top 15 of the ICC T20I rankings during the qualification period.
The teams will compete in two groups of three before playing crossover matches. The top two teams will compete for the gold medal, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will battle for bronze.
Each nation can name a squad of 15 players. A purpose-built venue in Pomona, near Los Angeles, will host all 28 matches. Cricket last appeared at the Olympic Games in 1900, making its return at LA28 a historic milestone for the sport.