IOC Confirms T20 Cricket for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially approved the inclusion of T20-format cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The decision, confirmed by the IOC Executive Board on Wednesday, marks a monumental return for the sport, which was last featured in the Olympics over a century ago.
As per the approved program, both men’s and women’s T20 tournaments will be part of the 2028 Games. Each event will feature six teams, with 15 players per squad, allowing a total of 90 cricketers to participate. While the venues and match schedules are yet to be announced, the development has already created a wave of excitement among cricket fans and stakeholders worldwide.
Cricket is one of five new sports approved for inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (in the sixes format), and squash. The IOC had granted preliminary approval for these sports two years ago, and Wednesday’s announcement cements their spot in the upcoming Games.
This marks only the second time in Olympic history that cricket will feature in the Games. The first and only instance was during the 1900 Paris Olympics, where a single match between Great Britain and France was played over two days.
The inclusion of cricket is seen as a strategic move to broaden the Olympics’ global appeal, particularly in cricket-loving nations such as India, England, Australia, and parts of the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia. Analysts also see it as an opportunity to introduce the sport to newer audiences, particularly in North America.
T20 cricket’s fast-paced format, with matches completed in under three hours, is considered ideal for the Olympic schedule and television audiences. This format has already gained immense popularity globally through leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international competitions.
The move also follows cricket’s recent inclusion in other major multi-sport events. Men’s cricket was featured in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, while women’s cricket debuted at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Cricket’s return to the Olympic fold is expected to boost the sport’s visibility, funding, and youth participation, setting the stage for a broader and more inclusive future for the game on the global stage.
