Explained: Why top cricket teams could miss out on LA 2028 Olympics despite the sport's return

Major cricketing nations are set to miss out on the LA 2028 Olympic Games as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that only six teams will feature in the men’s and women’s tournaments. Cricket has been allocated a total of 90 athlete quotas per gender. This means all six teams in men’s and women’s tournaments could have a 15-member squad.

The inclusion of cricket at the LA 2028 will mark the return of the sport to the quadrennial mega event after a gap of 128 years, having last been featured in the 1900 Paris Olympics.

At the 1900 Olympics, a two-day match was played between Great Britain and France which was later recognised as an unofficial Test.

LA 2028 to feature T20 format and 180 cricket players

It’s important to note that cricket at LA 2028 will be played in the T20 format as the sport aims to grow its footprint. However, some of the top nations are guaranteed to miss out.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) currently has 12 ‘Full Members’ including India, Australia, England, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

ICC also includes 94 ‘Associate Members.’

However, only six teams will be allowed per gender. This was ratified by the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday.

Cricket schedule at Olympics 2028?

The schedule and venues for cricket competitions at LA 2028 are still not out and are only expected to be revealed closer to the tournament.

Cricket’s return to the Olympics could also be seen as another chapter in the sport’s growing global footprint. Recently, the women’s game made its Commonwealth Games debut at Birmingham 2022. The men’s and women’s games were also part of the Asian Games 2023, making a comeback after almost a decade.

Besides cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash are the other new sports to feature at La 2028.

How will cricket teams qualify for La 2028?

The qualification process is still to be revealed but one can expect hosts USA to get a direct entry, leaving space for only five ‘Full Members’.