International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given its official nod to include cricket in the lineup of sports for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The highly anticipated announcement came during the IOC session held in Mumbai on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s global recognition.
Cricket, embraced in the popular Twenty20 format, will witness the participation of both men and women’s teams in the LA28 Olympics. Initially, the International Cricket Council (ICC) plans to field six teams from each category, adding an exciting new dimension to the Olympic Games.
IOC Session approves @LA28’s proposal for 5⃣ additional sports:
⚾Baseball/🥎softball, 🏏cricket, 🏈flag football, 🥍lacrosse and ⚫squash have been officially included as additional sports on the programme for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. #LA28 pic.twitter.com/y7CLk2UEYx
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) October 16, 2023
This development is part of a broader initiative to diversify the Olympic Games, as several other sports have also been formally included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Apart from cricket, athletes and enthusiasts can look forward to the thrilling contests of baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, adding to the vibrant spectrum of sporting events.
Nita Ambani, a prominent member of the IOC, enthusiastically confirmed the decision, expressing her delight at the inclusion of cricket. She highlighted the tremendous potential of this addition, foreseeing a surge of interest and opportunities for the Olympic movement, especially in regions where cricket holds immense popularity.
Greg Barclay, the Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC) –
Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympic Games has been a priority for our organization, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our great sport and athletes at the LA28 Games and hopefully many Olympic Games to come.
I’d like to thank LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their support and for their trust in our organization’s ability to deliver a world class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world. The fact that the IOC confirmation of our selection occurred here in Mumbai, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, is truly icing on the cake.
