Cricket Returns to Olympics After 128 Years, Set to Feature at LA 2028

In a historic development, cricket will return to the Olympic Games after a 128-year absence. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed that the sport will be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900.

The tournament will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, with a total of 90 players participating in each event. The fast-paced T20 format has been selected for its global appeal, as it is currently played by nearly 100 nations, making the competition diverse and fiercely competitive.

The qualification process for the tournament is still being developed, but as the host nation, the USA may receive a direct entry. The inclusion of cricket is part of a broader expansion for LA28, which will also introduce squash, flag football, lacrosse, and baseball/softball as new sports. In total, there will be 351 medal events—22 more than at the 2024 Paris Games—with an additional 698 athletes participating in the new sports category.

Cricket’s return to the Olympics follows its increasing visibility in other multi-sport events. It was featured in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where Australia won gold in the women’s event and India secured silver. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India achieved gold in both the men’s and women’s cricket competitions.

The campaign to bring cricket back to the Olympics began in 2021, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) formally launched its effort. This initiative led to a collaboration with the LA28 Organizing Committee, resulting in the IOC’s approval in October 2023.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah played a crucial role in advocating for cricket’s Olympic return and is now planning for the sport’s inclusion in future editions, including Brisbane 2032. This marks a significant milestone in cricket’s global journey, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating its historic comeback in Los Angeles.