Australia's Olympic spot in jeopardy after T20 World Cup exit
What's the story
Australia's early exit from the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka could jeopardize its chances of qualifying for cricket's return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The Australian team was expected to secure an automatic qualification spot based on world rankings, but their unexpected failure to reach the Super 8 stage has opened up opportunities for New Zealand. Here are further details.
Qualification prospects
New Zealand's potential Olympic qualification
New Zealand, currently ranked behind Australia, could qualify for the Olympics by reaching the semi-finals or further in this tournament. The Black Caps have a history of performing well in such tournaments, having reached at least the semis in 2007, 2016, 2021, and 2022. If they do qualify, Australia will have to fight it out with other second-ranked regional teams for the last spot in LA's six-team men's T20 event.
Qualification strategy
ICC's rankings cut-off for Olympics
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set the Olympic rankings cut-off at the end of this World Cup, pending final approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). An NZ Cricket official said they always expected to qualify from second spot in Oceania. Meanwhile, the Olympics will host a six-team women's event, and Australia is expected to be a strong contender, given their participation in the T20 World Cup in England later this year.
Potential fallout
Major blow to Australia
Missing out on Olympic qualification would be a major blow for the Australian men's team, which has been pushing for cricket's inclusion in the global sporting event. Top players like Steve Smith and Pat Cummins have expressed their desire to feature in cricket's return to the Olympics after more than 100 years. "My main goal is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around," Smith had said earlier.
Olympic journey
Cricket's inclusion in the Olympics
Cricket was included in the Olympics after England and India's opposition was overcome. It will be played in Brisbane in 2032, with India also a potential host for the Games in 2036. Phillip Pope, who authored a 2007 CA report on cricket's Olympic inclusion, said it would be "mismanagement of epic proportions" if Australia fails to qualify for this major global sporting event.
Elimination
Here is how Australia was eliminated
Among the favorites, Australia's campaign was eventually marred by successive defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The Ireland-Zimbabwe match washout on Tuesday was the final nail in the coffin. While Group B toppers Sri Lanka sealed their Super 8 berth with three straight wins and six points, Zimbabwe (5 points) are the other team to qualify from the group. Australia (2 points) struggled with two defeats and a win.