Monday, 16 October 2023 - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that cricket will return to the Olympics at the Los Angeles Games in 2028 (LA28).
This monumental decision was officially ratified by the IOC during its 141st session in Mumbai, following a recommendation from the LA28 committee. There is expected to be both a T20 men's and women's tournament.
Cricket last made an appearance at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris, with only two teams - one from Great Britain and one from France - competing for medals. It has not featured since then, despite its worldwide popularity.
Niccolo Campriani
(LA Sports Director) on Virat Kohli -
Virat Kohli is one of the main reason behind the inclusion of cricket in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics🐐 pic.twitter.com/ROaThRfmKo— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) October 16, 2023
Cricket's homecoming to the Olympics culminates a meticulous two-year effort by the ICC. Their proposal, designed to resonate with the core Olympic values and LA28's ambition to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners, and the local community, has now garnered global acclaim.
The Olympic Games is estimated to have an audience of over 3 billion viewers across television and digital platforms. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for cricket to gather fresh audiences and extend the sport's global reach. Alongside cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash and baseball and softball will also be included in LA28.
It’s official! We’ve added brand new sports to our #LA28 Olympic Games lineup.
⚾️ Baseball, 🥎 Softball, 🚩🏈 Flag Football, 🥍 Lacrosse, ⚫️ Squash, 🏏 Cricket
Get more info on LA28’s full Olympic sport program: https://t.co/4CSIlhkBiI pic.twitter.com/c2ZOcy2EK8— LA28 (@LA28) October 16, 2023
ICC Chairman, Greg Barclay, commented on the historic milestone, saying, "We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today. To have the opportunity to showcase our great sport at the LA28 Games and hopefully many Olympic Games to come will be great for players and fans alike.
“I’d like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 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. The innings has just begun, and we can't wait to see where this incredible journey leads.”
Mithali Raj, former India captain and the highest run-scorer in women's cricket history, shared her enthusiasm for this transformative moment, saying: “It is so exciting that cricket is now an Olympic sport and will make its return at LA28. Players will get the chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal and be part of the games which will be so special. It’s also a chance for more fans around the world to enjoy our fantastic sport.”
