ICC backs continental qualification for 2028 LA Olympics; Pakistan, New Zealand could miss out

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to approve a continental qualification system to determine the six teams that will participate in cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The format, which aims to ensure global representation, could mean that top-ranked Full Member nations like Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka might not feature in cricket’s Olympic return after more than a century.

The proposal was discussed at the ICC’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), where it reportedly received majority support. Although some specifics are still under review, the fundamental principle of



‘one team per continent’ aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) emphasis on broader geographic inclusion.

The men’s and women’s T20 tournaments will each feature six teams, to be held from July 14 to 29, 2028. While the ICC originally considered selecting the top six-ranked teams based on a cut-off date, several member boards pushed back, arguing it excluded a significant portion of the cricketing world. The revised model now ensures one qualifying spot from each continent: Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas, with a possible sixth spot decided via a global qualifier.