ICC Mulls Hybrid Qualification Model for LA28 Olympics

SINGAPORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to implement a hybrid system for qualifying teams for cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Olympics, according to recent reports. The highly anticipated return of cricket to the Olympic Games, after its initial appearance in Paris in 1900, will showcase six teams each in both men’s and women’s tournaments, scheduled from July 12 to July 29, 2028.

While the final approval of the qualification process is still pending, sources indicate that the ICC is leaning towards a hybrid model, combining rankings and a qualifying event. This decision is anticipated during the ongoing Annual General Meeting (AGM), which concludes on Sunday.

Under the proposed system, the highest-ranked teams from four regions – Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania – would secure direct entry to the Olympics, along with the host nation, the USA, representing the Americas.

The remaining spot will be contested in a qualifying tournament. The use of ICC T20I Rankings at a specific cutoff date is also being considered as a likely option.

Should this model be formally approved, Pakistan’s participation in LA28 could be uncertain, requiring the 2009 champions to compete in the qualifying event for the final available position.

The West Indies, encompassing several Caribbean nations, might organize their own regional qualifying event to determine which country represents them in the Olympic qualifiers.

Notably, concerns regarding the costs and logistical challenges associated with the qualifying event have been raised, potentially adding complexity to cricket’s already crowded schedule.

For the women’s competition at LA28, the upcoming T20 World Cup may serve as a determining factor for which six teams participate in the event.

It remains unclear whether the USA women’s cricket team will automatically qualify as the host nation.

The ICC AGM also conveyed its anticipation that the number of teams in each competition will be increased for the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.