Cricket Teams Set to Play at LA 2028 Olympics: ICC’s Six‑Team T20 Plan

The Olympic version of cricket will be played in the fast-paced and highly popular T20 format. A total of six men’s teams and six women’s teams will participate, promising thrilling matches and global excitement.

Cricket was last featured in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where only one match was played. Since then, despite its massive following in countries like India, England, Australia, and Pakistan, the sport never found a place in the Olympics—until now.

Thanks to the persistent efforts of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the increasing global interest in T20 cricket, the game is finally set to return to the Olympic spotlight.

During a recent ICC meeting held in Singapore, the pathway for team qualification to the 2028 Olympics was confirmed. According to sources:

• One top-ranked team each from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania will qualify directly.
• The United States, as the host nation, will receive automatic entry.
• The final sixth spot will be determined through a qualifying tournament organised by the ICC.

This format ensures a mix of top cricketing nations and emerging teams, encouraging the sport’s expansion beyond traditional strongholds.

Cricket’s re-entry into the Olympics is not just a major milestone for the sport but also an opportunity for its global growth. The inclusion is expected to give a significant boost to cricket in non-traditional markets, especially in the United States, where the sport is gradually gaining popularity.