The organisers confirmed that six teams each in men’s and women’s categories will compete in cricket at the 2028 Olympics.
Cricket is set to return to the Olympic stage after a long wait of 128 years, with the sport featuring in the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games. The organisers on Wednesday confirmed that six teams each will compete in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The matches will be played in the T20 format, making it the first time cricket in this format will be part of the Olympics. Each participating team will name a squad of 15 players, which means a total of 90 cricketers will take part in each category at the event.
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Cricket is among the five new sports approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for inclusion in the LA Games. Alongside cricket, the other additions are baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) currently includes 12 full members: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, 94 other nations are recognised as associate members.
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Although the qualification criteria for the cricket tournament at the 2028 Olympics are yet to be finalised, the United States is expected to gain direct entry as the host nation. This would leave only five spots open for other teams through the qualification process.
Cricket last appeared in the Olympics in the 1900 edition held in Paris. Back then, a single two-day match was played between Great Britain and France, which is now recognised as an unofficial Test match.
