Cricket Returns to the Olympics as Team Count and Qualification Format Are Confirmed

After a long absence, cricket is finally set to return to the Olympic stage. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have officially announced the qualification pathway and competition format for the cricket event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in the United States.

In a joint media release issued today, it was confirmed that six men’s and six women’s teams will compete in the T20 format at the Games. Representation from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania has been guaranteed.

First Four Women’s Teams Confirmed

The first four women’s teams have already secured their Olympic berths through the ongoing 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Australia, Great Britain, India, and South Africa qualified directly as the highest-ranked eligible teams from Oceania, Europe, Asia, and Africa, respectively. Under the continental quota system, only one team from each continent could qualify through this route.

Host USA’s Olympic Qualification

As the host nation, the United States will receive direct entry into both the men’s and women’s tournaments, but only if certain conditions are met. The U.S. teams must be ranked within the top 15 of the ICC T20I Rankings at any point between June 30 and December 31, 2026. If they fail to meet this requirement, the host quota will be reallocated to the next eligible team based on the rankings.

Special Provision for the West Indies

Since the West Indies is not represented by a single National Olympic Committee, it cannot compete as one team at the Olympics. However, if the West Indies is among the top eight non-qualified teams in the ICC T20I Rankings as of December 31, 2026, a special Caribbean qualifying tournament will be held. The winning nation from that event will earn a place in the ICC Olympic Qualifier.

For the men’s event, the highest-ranked eligible teams from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings on December 31, 2026, will qualify directly for the Olympics.

The sixth and final spot in both the men’s and women’s competitions will be decided through the inaugural ICC Olympic Qualifier, scheduled to be held in 2027. The eight-team tournament will award its champion the final Olympic berth.

Squads and Tournament Format

Each team will be allowed to name a squad of 15 players.

The six participating teams will be divided into two groups of three. During the group stage, each team will play the other two teams in its group before facing two additional opponents from the opposite group who finished in different positions.

The top two teams in the overall standings will contest the gold medal match, while the third and fourth-placed teams will compete for the bronze medal.

Venue and Number of Matches

A total of 28 matches will be played across the men’s and women’s competitions. All matches will be staged at a purpose-built cricket venue in Pomona, California, United States.