The ICC has issued clarification regarding qualification for the cricket tournament in Olympics. A total of 6 teams would take part, and it will be decided as follows:
1. Host nation (x1): this time, it is going to be the United States of America (USA).
2. Top-ranked team from Oceania, Europe, Asia and Africa (x4). No quota for Americas, as USA has already qualified.
3. One spot to be deserved for the winner from the qualifier tournament (format not decided as of now). Top ranked team from West Indies will take part in the qualifier, with others not being given a chance to do so.
These rules will create a lot of debates in the coming days. If one team is to be selected from Asia, it would be India. So no chances for Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh team to be in the Olympics. Also if Australia goes to the Olympics, the New Zealand will have no chance and it will be a big set back for them. From Africa, it would be South Africa of course and England will be playing from the European region. One team will qualify through the qualifier tournament and that would be a tough competition indeed.