ICC revises Olympic cricket qualification rules, confirms T20 World Cup 2028, 2030 window

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revised the qualification pathway for the women's cricket tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It has linked a potential additional berth to the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy in February 2027 if the United States fail to meet the host eligibility requirements.

The updated criteria were communicated to member boards following meetings held in Dubai in October, alongside a schedule covering international tournaments between the 2027 and 2031 ODI World Cups. The calendar includes 12 men's events, seven women's competitions and five Under-19 tournaments, including qualifying events.

Under the revised arrangement, USA women's team must satisfy the ICC's ranking requirement by December 31, 2026, to secure direct entry as hosts. If it falls short, the additional qualification place will be determined through the



Women's Champions Trophy standings rather than the T20I rankings as originally proposed.

“If the host (USA) does not meet the ranking criteria by 31 Dec 2026, that spot is reallocated based on the ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 standings (cut-off 1 March 2027),” the ICC noted in the communication to member countries in October as quoted by Cricinfo.

The ICC has also confirmed consecutive T20 World Cup windows in 2028. The 12-team women's tournament in Pakistan will run from September 7 to October 1, followed by the men's 20-team competition in Australia and New Zealand from October 12 to November 12.

Separately, the 2029 World Test Championship final is scheduled for June 8-12 in England. The 2030 men's T20 World Cup, assigned to England, Ireland and Scotland, has been shifted to July-August from its originally planned June window.