Cricket enthusiasts, get ready to witness your favorite sport on the grand stage of the Olympics. In a historic move, cricket has been included in the roster of sports for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This momentous decision, recommended by the LA Local Organizing Committee (LOCOG) and subsequently ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is set to transform the landscape of the Olympics.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will welcome five new sports; cricket is among the most exciting additions. Including cricket, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, was met with unanimous approval from the IOC members, with only two members voting against it. This bold move ushers in a new era for Olympic sports, injecting fresh energy and attracting a diverse global audience.
Cricket’s swift entry into the Olympic arena can be attributed to the popular T20 format. The International Cricket Council (ICC) recommended the T20 format for LA28, which was well-received by the IOC. The T20 format has redefined cricket, making it faster, action-packed, and immensely appealing to a younger audience. With thrilling encounters and dynamic gameplay, T20 cricket has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
“We are thrilled to welcome the world’s second-most popular sport with an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide. Some of you might be wondering why in LA? Well, the commitment to grow cricket in the US is real, and it’s already happening with the launch of the very first Major League Cricket season earlier this year, which exceeded all expectations. And the [men’s] T20 World Cup in 2024 coming to US and West Indies,” Campriani said.
Cricket’s universal appeal was pivotal in securing its spot at the Olympics. Cricket’s global reach, coupled with the popularity of players like India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli, positions the sport as a global phenomenon. Kohli’s influence transcends boundaries, making him an idol in India and countries where cricket is cherished.
“We all recognise the critical importance of a strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth. And cricket is offering a unique platform to do so. Think [about] my friend here Virat. He’s the third-most followed athlete in the world on social media with 314 million followers. That’s more than LeBron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined. This is the ultimate win-win for LA 28,” Campriani said.
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With the upcoming co-hosting of the men’s T20 World Cup by the West Indies and the USA and the successful launch of Major League Cricket in the USA, cricket is no longer a niche sport, even in Los Angeles. The sport has found a new home and a growing fan base in the United States, affirming its status as one of the world’s most beloved sports.
The IOC president, Thomas Bach, aptly described the inclusion of cricket as a “win-win” for both the sport and the Olympic program. The addition of cricket presents an opportunity for the sport to expand beyond its traditional strongholds and embrace new communities of athletes and fans. Cricket provides a unique platform for the Olympics to engage with untapped audiences and maintain relevance among the youth, given the sport’s robust digital presence and worldwide following.
“The IOC and the cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries, while the Olympic movement gains access to previously untapped communities of athletes and fans. It’s a great example of how one can reach the other.”
