ICC unveils qualification pathway for cricket’s return at LA 2028 Olympics

DUBAI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalised the qualification pathway for cricket’s historic return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles (LA) 2028, with six men’s and six women’s teams set to compete in the T20 format. Cricket will make its first Olympic appearance since the 1900 Paris Games, marking the sport’s long-awaited return to the LA 2028 Olympics. According to the ICC, six teams each will participate in the men’s and women’s competitions. Four places in each event will be allocated to the highest-ranked eligible teams from four continents — Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania — based on ICC T20 International rankings and existing ICC tournament performances. The top-ranked team from each of the four continents will qualify directly for the Olympics. Host nation the United States will also secure a place, provided it is ranked among the top 15 teams in the ICC T20I rankings. The final qualification spot will be decided through the ICC Olympic Qualifier tournament. The Olympic Qualifier will feature eight teams in both the men’s and women’s events, with the ICC expected to announce the tournament schedule at a later date. At the Olympics, the six qualified teams will be divided into two groups of three. The leading teams will progress to the knockout stage, where the top two sides will compete for the gold medal, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will contest the bronze medal. Pakistan’s qualification prospects The ICC’s qualification criteria present a challenging but achievable route for Pakistan’s men’s team to reach the Los Angeles Olympics. Under the qualification system, the highest-ranked Asian men’s team in the ICC T20 International rankings as of December 31, 2026, will earn direct qualification. India currently tops the Asian rankings and is considered the strongest contender for the direct Olympic berth. If Pakistan fails to finish as Asia&#8217