Cricket has been formally included in the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which is seen as a significant boost to the sport’s global ambitions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the inclusion of cricket, to be played in the T20 format, along with other sports like squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and flag football.
The proposal to include these sports was supported by the LA28 Organizing Committee and received widespread approval. The immense popularity of cricket in India, the world’s most populous nation, played a crucial role in securing its spot in the Olympics. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) changed its stance in 2021 to support cricket’s inclusion in the Summer Games after years of opposition.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s governing body, expressed delight at the announcement, noting that it supports the Olympic values and LA28’s mission to create an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners, and the local community. Cricket had previously been featured in the Olympics only once, in 1900, when England defeated France in Paris. This decision marks a historic return of cricket to the Olympic stage, and it is expected to help the sport reach new audiences globally.
