LA 2028 Olympics: Six-Team Cricket Format Confirmed

Six nations will compete in each of the men’s and women’s T20 competitions on cricket’s return to Olympics at 2028 Los Angeles edition, with Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania all guaranteed representation.

The International Cricket Council and the International Olympic Committee unveiled the qualification pathway and tournament format in Monday.

Cricket is set to return to the Olympics after 128 years with six-team T20 format for both men and women.

The six teams will be clubbed in two groups of three, playing a single round-robin and then play two additional matches against cross-group opponents who finished in different positions.

The top two teams overall will play for Gold and Silver, while third and fourth place battle for Bronze with 28 matches played in a specially built venue in Pomona, California.

Four spots will be given to the highest-ranked eligible team from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania in the official ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings.

The ranking window opens on June 30, 2026, and locks on December 31, 2026.

As hosts, USA will automatically take the 5th slot in both events, if they remain inside the top 15 of the ICC T20I rankings during the qualification period while the sixth and final spot for both men and women will be determined at an eight-team qualifier tournament in 2027.

“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," ICC chairman Jay Shah said.

“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.”