ICC Chairman Jay Shah hailed cricket's return to the Olympic Games as a historic milestone after the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The announcement marked a major step towards cricket's long-awaited return to the Games, where men's and women's T20 competitions will feature six teams each. Calling it a landmark moment for the sport, Shah said, "Cricket's return to the Olympic Games is a landmark moment for our sport and a powerful opportunity to showcase the very best of cricket to the world." He added that the confirmation of the qualification pathway provides ICC Members with "a clear and exciting route to the Olympic stage" ahead of LA28.

Shah also highlighted the significance of cricket's inclusion in one of the world's biggest sporting events. "The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of multi-event sport, and cricket's inclusion at LA28 will inspire players and fans in every region," he said. He further described it as "an historic moment, and one of great opportunity for our Members, as we continue to grow the game and take it to new audiences around the world."

Cricket will return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1900, with the T20 format set to feature at Los Angeles 2028. The newly announced qualification system is expected to boost global participation and provide emerging cricket nations with a pathway to compete on the Olympic stage.

India women qualify for Los Angeles 2028 as cricket returns to the Olympic Games

The Indian women's cricket team has secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking a major milestone as cricket prepares to return to the Olympics after a gap of 128 years. India earned a direct berth under the qualification pathway jointly confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Although Harmanpreet Kaur's side bowed out of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at the group stage following a defeat to Australia, their Olympic qualification remained unaffected. The qualification system rewards the best-performing teams from each continent, and India secured Asia's place based on its overall standing despite missing out on the World Cup semi-finals.

Cricket's return to the Olympic Games will feature six teams each in the men's and women's T20 competitions. Australia, India, South Africa and Great Britain have already secured direct qualification in the women's event, while the remaining two places will be decided through future qualification criteria, including an ICC Olympics Qualifier in 2027. For India, the qualification represents a chance to compete for an Olympic medal in cricket for the very first time. With experienced players such as Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side alongside a talented group of youngsters, the team will now shift its focus towards preparing for LA28. The achievement also reflects the steady rise of women's cricket in India and offers another opportunity to inspire the next generation on one of the world's biggest sporting stages