(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
ICC Moves Closer to Finalizing Qualification Pathway for Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics
Cricket is preparing for a historic return to the Olympic Games after more than a century, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) is now taking key steps to determine how teams will qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 event.
ICC to Hold Key Meetings in Singapore
According to multiple reports, the ICC will host a series of meetings in Singapore from July 17 to 20, focused on a critical decision:
Should Olympic spots be awarded based on ICC T20I rankings, or will a qualification-based model be introduced?
Only six men’s and six women’s teams will be allowed to participate at LA 2028, making the decision on qualification methods especially important.
Rankings or Qualifiers? The Debate Heats Up
While early discussions leaned toward using ICC T20I rankings to determine qualification, there is growing support for a merit-based qualification system. Associate Member nations such as USA, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are advocating for a fairer, performance-driven model that rewards on-field success rather than historical rankings.
A qualifier model could open doors for emerging teams, especially after the USA’s impressive run at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which was also hosted on American soil. This approach would give Associate teams a genuine opportunity to compete on the Olympic stage.
Host Nation Spot for the USA
As the host country, the United States is expected to receive at least one automatic berth, though it remains unclear whether this will apply to both the men’s and women’s teams. This automatic entry is standard practice in many Olympic sports, but the ICC is yet to confirm its final stance.
A Possible Hybrid Model in the Works
Given the busy international cricket calendar, a full qualifying tournament may be logistically challenging. As a result, the ICC is reportedly exploring a hybrid model—where top-ranked teams could receive automatic qualification, while remaining spots would be filled through regional or global qualifiers.
This approach aims to strike a balance between rewarding consistent performance and providing opportunities to rising teams.
What Comes Next?
While a final decision is not expected during this week’s meetings, the discussions in Singapore are likely to shape the ICC’s long-term direction. A definitive roadmap for Olympic qualification is expected by the end of 2025, giving cricket boards enough time to prepare for a unique opportunity on the world stage.
Cricket at the Olympics: More Than Just a Medal
The return of cricket to the Olympics is about more than sporting glory. It represents a chance for global exposure, new investment opportunities, and a potential permanent spot in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
For the ICC and its member nations, how teams reach LA 2028 could be just as important as how they perform once there.
Stay tuned for more updates on cricket’s road to the Olympics, ICC decisions, and team preparations as the LA 2028 countdown begins.
