Cricket enthusiasts from around the world have reason to rejoice as cricket is set to make its debut at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. This landmark decision, ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, marks the first time the sport will be part of the Olympic program since 1900.
This development is poised to reshape the landscape of cricket globally, attracting new fans, promoting infrastructure development, and making a significant economic impact.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been actively working over the past two years to present an enticing proposal that aligns with the Olympic values and the mission of the LA28 Olympics to provide an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners, and the local community.
Team India, one of the six teams set to represent cricket at the 2028 Olympics, is expected to play a pivotal role in this historic endeavor. To facilitate cricket’s inclusion, the International Olympic Committee is collaborating closely with the ICC, and this collaboration will involve mandatory doping tests for the Indian cricket team.
The Olympic Games, with an estimated 3 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms, offers an unprecedented opportunity for cricket to shine on the global stage and potentially reach a much broader audience. While cricket is the most popular sport in the Indian subcontinent and certain South Asian countries, it does not rank among the top two sports in many cricket-playing nations.
Furthermore, there has been a noticeable shift among younger fans away from the traditional 50-over One Day International format, with the T20 format gaining prominence. In line with these trends, the ICC has been actively working to enhance the sport’s popularity on a global scale. As part of these efforts, the ICC is gearing up to host the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
Greg Barclay, Chairman of the ICC, expressed his excitement, saying,
“We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games was 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.”
The reintroduction of cricket to the Olympic movement is expected to broaden its international appeal and add new regions to its sphere of influence, as highlighted by IOC member Nita M. Ambani.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, has praised the decision for its potential to unlock new horizons, stating,
“The board anticipates that this will yield significant financial dividends. It will have a profound positive impact on the sport’s ecosystem. It will fuel infrastructural development, intensify competition, foster youth development, and create opportunities for officials, volunteers, and skilled professionals.”
Joy Bhattacharjya, a cricket writer and sports broadcaster, likened the decision to the ICC’s success in popularizing the T20 cricket format, which expanded the sport’s footprint, attracting new, younger fans and markets. He commented,
“With this move, the Olympic Association wants to see how popular the sport will become when introduced at that level, which is good. It could prove to be as important as what ICC did when it made T20 an international competition. Team India will also have to sign up with the World Anti Doping Agency to become compliant within the next four years.“
Mithali Raj, former India captain and the leading female run-scorer of all time, expressed her excitement about cricket’s inclusion, stating,
“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.”
