Continental qualification to be used by ICC for Olympics will be decided based on the top-ranked team from each continent.
ICC set to approve continental qualification system for LA Olympics 2028.
To choose the six teams who will compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the ICC is expected to establish a continental qualification system. This implies that Full Members like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand, among others, may not be able to attend cricket’s much awaited return to the Olympics after more than a century.
At the most recent AGM, the board deliberated a proposal that permits one team from each continent. With a minority of members voicing opposition, a regional qualification system has essentially received majority approval, even though some details still need to be finalised.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved cricket’s inclusion on the Olympic program for the first time since the 1900 Summer Olympics, and six teams in each of the men’s and women’s divisions will compete for Olympic medals from July 14 to July 29 in 2028. Although the ICC’s original plan was to shortlist the top six-ranked teams at a prearranged deadline, a number of Full Member nations felt that this strategy would not enable a more diverse representation of nations from throughout the world.
A one-country-per-continent qualification system has since replaced it, which is believed to be more consistent with the Olympic participation ideal.
The rankings on a specific date will determine which nations make the short list. However, if the ICC plan is approved, India vs. Pakistan, one of the most watched matches in international sport, might not be included in the Olympics. According to the current ICC T20 rankings, South Africa will qualify from Africa, Australia from Oceania, England from Europe, India from Asia, and one between the United States or one of the Caribbean islands from the Americas in both the men’s and women’s games.