In a significant development that cricket enthusiasts will welcome, media reports suggest that cricket is poised to be added to the sports roster for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The LA organizing committee’s official announcement of this decision is expected to follow the International Olympic Committee’s 141st session in Mumbai on Sunday, as per the report.
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, on this decision for Los Angeles 2028
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) was excited at the flow of events. ICC Chairman Greg Barclay stated, “We are delighted that LA28 has recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics. 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.”
“I’d like to thank LA28 for their support during the new sport evaluation process over the last two years. We look forward to the final decision being taken at the IOC Session in India during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next week,” he added.
Why is Cricket included in the Sports roster of LA28?
The 2028 Olympics will feature both men’s and women’s T20 cricket competitions, potentially tapping into the lucrative Asian sub-continent market for the IOC. Additionally, this move is expected to expand the sport’s global audience significantly.
Considering that India represents the largest market for cricket. The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics could substantially increase the value of the IOC’s broadcasting agreement in the country. According to the report, while the broadcast deal for the 2024 Olympics was valued at 15.6 million pounds. It could potentially skyrocket to as much as 150 million pounds if cricket is part of the 2028 edition.
Cricket at the Summer Olympics
While cricket was initially planned for the inaugural Athens Olympics in 1896, insufficient participation led to its cancellation. However, the sport made its Olympic debut in 1900. With Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium initially slated to participate. Unfortunately, the latter two countries withdrew due to failed co-hosting bids.
As a result, the cricket match took place at the Vélodrome de Vincennes, originally a cycling venue, on August 19 and 20. The match, originally intended for the Exposition Universelle of 1900, evolved into a showdown between Great Britain and France. This historical context highlights the sport’s journey to become a part of the Olympic program once again in 2028.
