The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles Olympics scheduled for 2028. This historic decision was made during the 141st IOC session, held in Mumbai on Monday. The cricket was last featured in the Games in 1900.
However, cricket is not the only sport that has received consideration. Along with cricket, the IOC officially announced the inclusion of four more sports, increasing the diversity and excitement of the Olympics in Los Angeles. Baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash will join along with cricket.
IOC Session approves @LA28’s proposal for 5⃣ additional sports:
⚾Baseball/🥎softball, 🏏cricket, 🏈flag football, 🥍lacrosse and ⚫squash have been officially included as additional sports on the programme for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. #LA28 pic.twitter.com/y7CLk2UEYx
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) October 16, 2023
Cricket at the LA28 Olympics will be played in the exhilarating T20 format. This shorter, action-packed version of the game has taken the cricketing world by storm, and it promises to be a perfect fit for the Olympic stage.
The cricketing event at the Olympics is set to feature a six-team T20 tournament, with nations from around the world vying for glory. While several teams will aim to qualify, the United States is likely to secure a direct berth, courtesy of being the host nation. The IOC has also mentioned that the qualification process for the cricketing event will be announced at a later date.
One notable point to remember is that the West Indies will not be competing at the Olympics as one unified team representing the Caribbean. This is due to Olympic rules that require each nation to have independent representation. This will be an interesting aspect to observe, as West Indian players may represent their countries at this prestigious event.
Twitter reacts to the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028
After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage at @LA28. This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly… https://t.co/Y4o2Zp5gl7
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 16, 2023
Cricket to be a part of 2028 Olympics. To represent India at the Olympics is an experience cricketers will carry with them forever. pic.twitter.com/imCaMVEzpu
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 16, 2023
Happy and thrilled to hear the news of inclusion of Cricket in the Olympic Games. Another opportunity to represent our country at a global stage 🤩🇮🇳
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) October 16, 2023
Historic News! 🌟 Cricket is all set to make a grand return to the Summer Olympics in 2028, marking a monumental moment for the sport, 128 years after its previous appearance. This reinstatement not only celebrates the rich heritage of cricket but also opens up new horizons for… pic.twitter.com/ZvxSayjysb
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 16, 2023
