India, Feb. 19 -- For the first time in 17 years, Australia, champions in 2021, crashed out at the group stage of a T20 World Cup. The injury-hit Mitchell Marsh-led side lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in succession before a washed-out Zimbabwe-Ireland clash confirmed their early elimination. They still have a fixture remaining against Oman later this week, but the humiliating exit has sparked concerns that it could dent their hopes of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games. However, Australia still have time on their side.

Cricket will feature at the Olympics for the first time in 126 years when the T20 format debuts at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, scheduled to be held at Fairplex in Pomona, California. While qualification for the women's ...