Cricket will officially return to the Games in 2028, marking its first appearance on the Olympic stage in 128 years.
According to a report by Cricinfo, the qualifiers to secure the remaining berths will run across January and February 2028. These events will feature eight teams each for both the men's and women's categories to determine the final spots for the Olympic Games.
The report also stated that the 2029 World Test Championship final will take place in England from June 8 to 12.
"Overall, there are 12 men's, seven women's and five Under-19 events (including qualifiers) currently scheduled between the 2027 and the 2031 ODI World Cups.
"While several marquee events were already finalised by the ICC in 2021, multiple tournaments have now been assigned dates even as some dots remain to be connected," the report said.
Cricket will officially return to the Games in 2028, marking its first appearance on the Olympic stage in 128 years. The sport was last featured at the Paris 1900 Games, where a single, two-day match was played between Great Britain and France.
Australia, India, South Africa, and Great Britain have secured direct automatic spots for the women’s event on the basis of T20 World Cup finishes.
For the men's event, the top eligible team from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania in the ICC T20I Team Rankings as of December 31, 2026, will qualify.
Being a host nation, the United States receives automatic entry for both categories subject to meeting minimum ranking criteria (top 15) by December 31, 2026.
"If the host (USA) does not meet the ranking criteria by 31 Dec 2026, that spot is reallocated based on the ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 standings (cut-off 1 March 2027)," Cricinfo quoted the ICC communication to member countries in October.
The remaining sixth slot will be determined through a dedicated ICC Olympics Qualifier tournament.
(With PTI Inputs)