Cricket is returning to the world’s largest sporting event, the Olympic Games, after 128 years. The event is set to return with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Although the details of how the six teams will be selected are not yet final. However, there has been talk that the teams will be selected based on rankings from different continents. If this happens, it could be a blow to some countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan.
British media outlet The Guardian reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has adopted a regional selection system as per the Olympic Committee’s preference. As a result, Great Britain (England) will definitely participate in boys’ cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Countries like Pakistan and New Zealand may be excluded from the same decision. Because India and Australia will get direct places from the Asia and Oceania regions, respectively, according to the ICC rankings.
The Olympic Committee’s goal is to give the cricket event a truly global representation by prioritizing regional selection. Since the Olympics have only 6 teams (separate for men and women) in the T20 competition, there were complications from the beginning with the selection process. Where the United States, as the host, can get a direct place. However, several full ICC member countries may lose the opportunity to return to the Olympics after 128 years.
The ICC’s annual general meeting in Singapore this month decided to adopt a regional qualification system for the Olympics. The proposal would see the highest-ranked teams from Asia, Oceania, Europe and Africa qualify directly, with the host United States representing the Americas. This could create problems for Caribbean islands seeking to compete. According to the ICC rankings, India, Australia, South Africa and Great Britain (England) would qualify directly, along with the host United States (ranked 17th). The process for qualifying another team has yet to be determined.
According to the Guardian, if the ICC does not accept the ICC’s call to resign and the authority issue is not resolved, then a Caribbean country could take the US’s place. The ICC has not yet officially announced the decision on continental selection. Although Pakistan and New Zealand are unhappy with this, the decision is unlikely to change. New Zealand is currently fourth in the ICC T20 rankings, but if Australia, who are second, qualify from Oceania, they will be eliminated. India is at the top, while the remaining Asian teams are Sri Lanka at seven, Pakistan at eight, Afghanistan at nine and Bangladesh at 10.
Meanwhile, the Guardian contacted the ICC to find out about the selection of cricketing nations for the Olympics. However, the world cricket’s parent body refused to comment on the matter. In addition, the selection for the women’s Olympic cricket tournament will be determined by the 2026 T20 World Cup. Cricket was last included in the Olympics in 1900, when Great Britain won the gold medal in the men’s only match, beating France.
FAQ
When was the last time cricket was played at the Olympics?
Cricket was last featured in the Olympic Games in 1900. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will mark its return after 128 years.
What format of cricket will be played at the 2028 Olympics?
The T20 format will be used for both men’s and women’s competitions during the 2028 Olympic Games.
How many teams will participate in the Olympic cricket tournament?
Only six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories will participate, as per the current plan.
How will the six teams be selected for the Olympics?
The ICC has proposed a regional qualification system. Teams will be chosen based on rankings from five global regions: Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The host country (USA) will receive automatic qualification.
