Cricket is all set for a historic comeback at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, marking the sport’s return to the world’s biggest multi-sport event after 128 years. The last time cricket appeared in the Olympics was at the 1900 Paris Games, where Great Britain won the only gold medal ever awarded in this sport.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now confirmed that both men’s and women’s T20 cricket will be part of the LA28 schedule. However, only six teams each will qualify for the men’s and women’s events—a major reason why fans may not get to see an India vs Pakistan clash at the Olympics.
According to the ICC, Olympic qualification will not be based on T20 rankings alone. Instead, teams will qualify through continental pathways, with one additional team advancing through a global qualifier. Based on current standings, India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), England (Europe), and South Africa (Africa) are expected to earn direct entry.
One key talking point is the role of the host nation. The USA will feature in the Olympics automatically, but the ICC has not yet clarified whether the Americas slot will go to the USA or West Indies. More details are expected soon as the qualification roadmap is nearly finalized.
The Olympic cricket competition will run from 12 July to 29 July 2028, featuring a total of 28 matches—12 in the women’s event and 16 in the men’s competition. All matches will be held at the Pomona Fairplex, located about 50 kilometers from Los Angeles.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Kirsty Coventry, who is currently visiting India, expressed excitement about cricket’s return. She also revealed that the IOC is searching for the right media partner in India, given cricket’s enormous fanbase. Coventry said the inclusion of cricket will help bridge the gap between the Olympics and Indian audiences, strengthening the connection between global fans and the Games.
Meanwhile, IOC has approved a cap of 90 athletes per category, meaning each team can carry only 15 players, which limits participation to six teams per event.
Beyond LA28, cricket is set for broader global expansion. The ICC confirmed that cricket will be part of the 2026 Asian Games (Japan), 2027 African Games (Cairo), and 2027 PanAm Games (Peru), further boosting the sport’s international footprint.
With cricket returning after more than a century, the LA Olympics 2028 promises to deliver a historic moment for the sport. However, given the limited slots and continental qualification system, fans may have to wait longer for an India–Pakistan showdown on the Olympic stage.
