Cricket on the Verge of Olympic Return after 128 Years: LA28 Recommends Inclusion for 2028 Games

Cricket fans around the world are buzzing with excitement as the sport is on the cusp of making a historic return to the Olympics after 128 years. The International Cricket Council’s bid to include a men’s and women’s T20 competition at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles has been endorsed by the organizers, alongside other sports like baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash.

The last time cricket featured in the Olympics was way back in 1900 when Great Britain emerged victorious over hosts France in a thrilling Test match to claim the gold medal. Now, with the possibility of cricket making a comeback on the grandest sporting stage of all, fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting the final decision by the International Olympic Committee executive board at their upcoming session in Mumbai.

ICC chairman Greg Barclay expressed his delight at the news, calling it a significant milestone towards seeing cricket back in the Olympics after more than a century. The proposal for a T20 tournament was put forward by the ICC due to the format’s popularity and brevity, making it a perfect fit for the Olympic schedule.

The success of women’s cricket in recent years has also played a crucial role in pushing for the sport’s inclusion, with a successful eight-team tournament held at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. LA28 chairperson Casey Wasserman highlighted the importance of including sports that are relevant, innovative, and community-based, aiming to engage diverse fan bases and bring new athletes to the Games.

With squash and flag football also set to make their Olympic debuts in 2028, the sporting landscape at the Games is set to undergo a significant transformation. As the countdown to the final decision in Mumbai begins, cricket fans can only hope that their beloved sport will once again shine on the Olympic stage after more than a century in the shadows.