Cricket is all set to make a grand comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after 128 years, with six teams vying for glory. The organisers confirmed the news on Wednesday.
The last time cricket featured at the Olympics was way back in 1900 in Paris, where Great Britain and France played a two-day match—now considered an unofficial Test.
For the 2028 edition, each team will be allowed to field a 15-member squad, with a total of 90 athlete spots reserved per gender.
Each team will be allowed to name a 15-member squad, with a total of 90 athlete quotas allotted for both men and women.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) currently has 12 full member nations eligible for top-level international competition: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe.
In addition to the 12 full members, the ICC also has 94 associate member countries.
The qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic cricket tournament is yet to be finalised. However, the USA, as the host nation, is expected to get a direct entry—leaving just five spots to be decided through qualifiers.
Cricket is one of five new sports set to feature at the LA28 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved its inclusion in 2023, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash.