As cricket prepares to make its long-awaited return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, Sri Lanka’s hopes of taking part — and chasing a historic gold — are hanging by a thread. With just one spot left in a tightly contested six-team event, the island nation now finds itself in a nerve-wracking wait until the ICC’s pivotal meeting in October.
Cricket was last played at the Olympics in Paris 1900, but its 2028 return has stirred fresh dreams for nations like Sri Lanka — dreaming of an Olympic podium finish in a sport closest to their heart.
“Fans believe cricket is our best shot at Olympic gold”
Speaking exclusively to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net), a senior official from Sri Lanka’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) revealed that backroom discussions are still ongoing in a bid to keep their Olympic dream alive.
We know how excited fans are at the thought of a Sri Lankan side at the Olympics. Negotiations are still in play and we’re hopeful there will be a pathway to make sure we don’t miss out.
The official also reflected on the historic significance of Olympic medals in Sri Lanka’s sporting past:
“Fans have always felt that our first real chance of winning Olympic gold would come through cricket — to build on Duncan White’s and Susanthika Jayasinghe’s silver medals in 1948 and 2000 respectively.”
Qualification drama: Cricket’s global jigsaw
Initially, the ICC considered a simple plan — allowing the top-ranked T20 teams by a cut-off date to qualify. But the International Olympic Committee stepped in, reminding cricket’s administrators that Olympic inclusion is about continental representation, not just rankings.
Under the current qualification model, the six teams include:
• India (Asia)
• Australia (Oceania)
• South Africa (Africa)
• Great Britain (Europe – combining England, Scotland and Northern Ireland)
• United States (automatic qualification as hosts)
That leaves one vacant slot. And Sri Lanka is now in contention for it — possibly along with the likes of Pakistan, New Zealand, and a combined West Indies team.
There are questions over the USA qualifying automatically, but that’s the host advantage. For Brisbane 2032, we could have 10 teams and by 2036 perhaps even 12 — which would be a fairer reflection of the game’s global reach.
October decision looms large
The ICC’s October meeting will now determine whether the final spot is handed to the next highest-ranked team or decided via a qualifying tournament. Either way, it could have major implications for Sri Lanka’s Olympic ambition.
“All sorts of scenarios have been discussed. But we also have to respect the Olympic ethos,” the official added.
“Everyone would love to see India play Pakistan at the Olympics — but given the structure and complexities, it might not even be possible.”
For now, Sri Lanka waits — hoping cricket’s Olympic revival won’t go ahead without them.
