2028 LA Olympics: Cricket set to return after 128 years
Cricket is all but set to be a part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The gentleman's game only requires an official stamp of approval at the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, which will take place in Mumbai, between October 12 and 14. The Los Angeles organizing committee has recommended cricket's T20 version and four other sports in its proposal to the IOC.
Cricket to return to Olympics after more than 120 years
Cricket has been played just once in the Olympics so far, way back in 1900. The only match of the tournament was played between Great Britain and France. It was a two-day affair as Great Britain won by 158 runs. With the game's growing popularity, IOC is keen to tap the market in India and Asia overall.
Greg Barclay confirms the development
"We are delighted that LA28 have recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics," ICC chairman Greg Barclay said in a statement. "Whilst this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century."
The increase of IOC's focus in India
For the first time since 1983, IOC is hosting its session in India. This highlights the Olympic body's increasing focus on the Indian market. IOC president Thomas Bach, a former Olympic gold medalist in foil fencing, has positively spoken about cricket's probable inclusion in Olympics. He recently reiterated his vision for the Olympics to be "younger, more inclusive, more urban and more sustainable".
The expansion of cricket
Cricket has indeed expanded in the past few years with several associate teams making a mark. Moreover, the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to take place in West Indies and the USA, highlighting that the cricket body is keen to tap the cricket market it the USA. With the 2032 Olympics in Australia, cricket could see a more sustainable stint at Olympics.
How many teams will take part?
The ICC recommended a six-team T20 event for both men and women during its presentation in front of LA28. The participating teams would be the top-six ranked sides in the ICC's men's and women's T20 rankings on a certain cut-off date. It could not be confirmed if the ICC had finalised a tournament format, which until recently was still under discussions.
What are the other recommended sports?
Besides cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash are the other four sports which have been recommended to be a part of the Olympics. Casey Wasserman, LA28's chairperson, said that all the five sports recommended were "relevant, innovative and community-based." "LA28's proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off," he said.
