Australia risk missing Olympic berth after group-stage exit in T20 World Cup
India Today
T20 World Cup: Australia's early exit from the ongoing ICC tournament could cost them a place at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Australia's group-stage exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has left them at serious risk of missing out on a place at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
The men's T20 competition at LA 2028 will feature only six teams, with the final line-up set to be determined through a continental qualification system.
Qualification is expected to be based on ICC rankings at the conclusion of this World Cup, subject to final approval from the International Olympic Committee.
Australia entered the tournament comfortably ahead of New Zealand in the rankings. However, their early elimination has opened the door for New Zealand to overtake them and potentially seal a spot at the Olympics.
According to ranking scenarios being assessed by teams, New Zealand can secure automatic Olympic qualification if they reach the semi-finals or go further. The Black Caps have a strong record in global events, having reached at least the semi-finals in 2007, 2016, 2021 and 2022.
If New Zealand overtake Australia in the rankings, Australia will be pushed into a separate qualification tournament with other second-ranked regional teams for the final Olympic spot.
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T20 World Cup: Australia's early exit from the ongoing ICC tournament could cost them a place at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
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