Cricket Returns to Olympics After 128 Years: T20 Format Set for LA 2028 with Only Six Teams

Cricket is Finally Coming Back to the Olympics – After 128 Years!

Yes, you read that right.

After over a century, cricket is all set to make its long-awaited return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028. It’s been 128 years since the sport last featured on the Olympic stage – way back in 1900.

So, what does this mean for the future of cricket?
What will be the format of the game?
Who gets to compete?

What will the schedule look like?

We know you’ve got questions — and don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers right here. Let’s break it down!

A Brief History: From 1900 to 2028

Cricket was part of the Olympics in 1900, when a one-off, two-day match was played between Great Britain and France. This was later recognized as an unofficial Test match. Since then, despite gaining enormous popularity, especially in countries like India, England, Australia, and Pakistan, the sport has stayed out of the Olympic spotlight.

That changes now. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed T20 cricket as part of the LA 2028 Games as well as in Brisbane in 2032.

T20 Format Chosen for Global Appeal

Cricket at LA 2028 will be played in the shortest format of the game- T20.

The format has been kept to align well with the Olympic spirit — short, intense, and crowd-friendly. The decision reflects the sport’s growing global footprint, especially with its rising popularity in newer markets like the USA.

How many teams can participate?

One of the biggest talking points is the limited number of teams. Only six men’s and six women’s teams will compete, as cricket has been given a total of 90 athlete quotas per gender which is enough for 15-member squads.

This means that many top cricketing nations, including some of the 12 Full Members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), could miss out. With 94 Associate Members also in the mix, competition for those few spots is bound to be fierce.

Which teams will qualify?

The qualification process for the Olympics is yet to be revealed. However, it is expected that host nation USA will receive a direct entry, leaving only five spots open for other nations. This adds further intrigue and intensity to the build-up toward LA 2028, and to understand which teams will be eligible to play in the biggest sporting event.

Multi-Sport Presence Strengthens Cricket’s Case

Cricket’s inclusion comes after its recent appearances in multi-sport events. The women’s game debuted at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, while both men’s and women’s T20s were part of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. These milestones have helped strengthen cricket's case for Olympic inclusion.

Looking Ahead: Brisbane 2032 and Beyond

Interestingly, cricket is also set to feature in Brisbane 2032, ensuring at least two Olympic editions for the sport in the coming decade. This is a huge opportunity for cricket to capture new audiences, gain funding for grassroots development, and inspire a new generation of athletes worldwide.

Cricket's Olympic return isn’t just symbolic; it’s a step toward truly globalizing the sport. Whether the LA28 will be a success or not, only time will tell but one thing is for sure, its going to be a big stepping stone