ICC Plans Continental Cricket Qualification for LA 2028 Olympics

Cricket's return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature a novel qualification system based on continental representation rather than global rankings, ensuring one top-ranked team from each continent qualifies, with a final playoff for the sixth spot. This system aligns with the International Olympic Committee's five-ring principle and may exclude traditional cricket powerhouses like Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka if they fail to win their continental slots. England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will compete as a unified Team GB, while the West Indies are planning internal qualifiers among Caribbean nations to select their representative. The United States, as hosts, might receive direct entry, but their team composition and rankings have raised concerns about competitiveness. Associate cricket nations, holding less funding and influence compared to Full Members, face challenges in Olympic qualification, with many unlikely to make the final tournament due to ranking limitations. The International Cricket Council and its members continue discussions on finalizing the qualification details, emphasizing a balance between geographic inclusivity and competitive standards.