Ananya Lohia , Delhi - Cricket’s long-awaited return to the Olympic Games took a major step forward on Monday as the International Cricket Council and the International Olympic Committee officially announced the qualification pathway for the sport’s inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Games will feature six teams each in the men's and women's T20 competitions, marking cricket's first Olympic appearance in more than a century. To determine the final spots, the ICC will introduce a first-ever Olympics Qualifier in 2027, offering teams around the world a direct route to the sport’s biggest multi-sport stage. India, Australia, Great Britain and South Africa have already secured qualification for the women’s event through their performances at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The remaining places will be decided through ICC rankings and qualification events, ensuring global representation across continents. The teams competing for Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals. The qualification system is expected to intensify competition among nations over the next two years as they chase a historic place at LA28.

Calling it a landmark moment for the game, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said cricket’s Olympic return will help introduce the sport to new audiences and inspire future generations of players across the world.