The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have confirmed the qualification pathway for cricket’s historic return to the Olympics at the 2028 games in Los Angeles, with Great Britain qualified for the women’s event.
Both the men’s and women’s T20 competitions will include six nations – and Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania are all guaranteed representation.
Five qualification places in each event will be decided through a combination of existing ICC events and ICC T20I rankings.
The sixth and final places in both the men’s and women’s competitions will be determined through the new ICC Olympics qualifier, which will take place in 2027.
In the women’s competition, Great Britain (via England), Australia, India, and South Africa have already qualified thanks to being the highest-placed eligible finishers from Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania at the current ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Qualified nations will be able to pick from a squad of 15 players, with teams divided into groups of three. Teams will play each other once before playing two further matches against teams in the opposite group who did not finish in the same position.
The final top two will contest for gold and silver medals, with the third and fourth-highest nations competing for bronze.
There will be a combined total of 28 matches played across both men’s and women’s events, and all matches will take place at the purpose-built cricket venue in Pomona.
ICC chairman Jay Shah said: “Cricket’s return to the Olympic Games is a landmark moment for our sport and a powerful opportunity to showcase the very best of cricket to the world.
“The confirmation of this qualification pathway is an important step towards Los Angeles 2028 and gives members across the world a clear and exciting route to the Olympic stage.
“The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of multi-event sport, and cricket’s inclusion at LA28 will inspire players and fans in every region.
“This is an historic moment, and one of great opportunity for our members, as we continue to grow the game and take it to new audiences around the world.”
