In a historic turn of events, cricket is set to make a triumphant return to the Summer Olympics in 2028, a staggering 128 years after its sole appearance in the global games. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide received a ray of hope as LA28 officially confirmed the announcement in a recent media release. Alongside cricket, the sports of baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash have also been recommended for “potential inclusion” as new sports for the LA Olympics.
This exciting development was revealed in a statement by LA28, and it has garnered immense attention and excitement within the cricketing community. However, the recommendation will undergo a critical review and formal ratification at the upcoming International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board meeting in Mumbai, scheduled for October 14 and 15. This pivotal meeting will ultimately determine whether cricket, among other sports, will find its place in the LA Olympics.
A Vision for a More Inclusive and Innovative Olympics
Casey Wasserman, the chairperson of LA28, expressed great optimism and enthusiasm about the proposed sports. Wasserman emphasized that all five recommended sports were “relevant, innovative, and community-based.” These sports have the potential to not only shine on the field of play but also make a significant cultural impact.
According to Wasserman, these sports are deeply rooted in communities and are played in diverse settings, from backyards and schoolyards to community centers, stadiums, and parks across the United States and around the world. The proposed sports aim to attract new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases, and expand the Games’ presence in the digital space. This aligns perfectly with LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled and inclusive Olympic experience.
The ICC’s Reaction: Delight and Cautious Optimism
The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, Greg Barclay, responded to the news with a mix of delight and cautious optimism. While delighted with LA28’s recommendation, Barclay underscored that it was not the final decision but a significant milestone toward bringing cricket back to the Olympics after more than a century.
Cricket’s journey to Olympic inclusion took a significant step forward when it was added to a shortlist of nine sports for review by the IOC last July. Initially, cricket was vying for a spot alongside other sports such as baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, break dancing, karate, kickboxing, squash, and motorsport. During the presentation made to LA28, the ICC proposed a six-team T20 event for both men and women. The participating teams would be the top-six ranked sides in the ICC’s men’s and women’s T20 rankings, determined by a specific cutoff date.
The T20 format was considered ideal since it aligned with the IOC’s and LA28’s emphasis on having a world championship conducted within the Olympic format. Additionally, it featured a compact duration and significant spectator interest, meeting the criteria set by the Olympic governing bodies. However, the final tournament structure was yet to be confirmed, and discussions were ongoing until recently.
Cricket’s Illustrious History in the Olympics
Nearly half of the world’s population embraces cricket, but the sport has a rich but limited history at the Olympics. Its only appearance in the global games dates back to 1900, when Great Britain secured the gold medal by defeating host France. In a unique twist, the game was played over two days and consisted of four innings, resembling a traditional first-class fixture.
As cricket enthusiasts and players eagerly await the IOC’s final decision, the prospect of cricket’s return to the Olympics in 2028 is met with great anticipation and optimism. This historic comeback promises to bring the sport to new heights of global recognition and inspire generations of cricketing talent worldwide.