New Delhi: 

The qualification process for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 will be determined by the respective International Federations (IFs), as stated by the LA28 organising committee.

The clarification comes a day after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had confirmed cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Games, also making it clear that there will be six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories.

England, West Indies’ participation?

Things still stand unclear on the participation of nations like England and the West Indies. In Olympic history, England have participated as part of the Great Britain team, also including the Welsh and Scottish athletes.

Similarly, it remains to be seen if a single Caribbean island will participate or if a combined West Indies team will take the field. “It’s still undecided what process will be used to determine the qualifiers,” a Cricket West Indies (CWI) official told Cricbuzz.

Cricbuzz had asked the organising committee of the LA28 about the criteria for team selection for the Olympics, and also about whether the United States will get the home advantage and will automatically qualify for the Games. The LA28 boss’ response remained the same.

Now that only six teams are to compete at the Games, the ICC faces a serious challenge in determining the qualification method. In the coming weeks, it is expected to be finalised whether the spots will be determined by team rankings or through a qualifying tournament. Although the possibility of a qualifier is bleak given the jam-packed international calendar.

“Organizing committees like LA28 aren’t responsible for team qualifications in any sport; those are always handled by the IF,” Cricbuzz quoted Cassey Wasserman, the chairman of LA 2028, as saying. This leaves the process of selecting the teams in the hands of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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