The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its delight as cricket officially became part of the sports program for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28). The decision to include cricket in the Olympics was formally ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai.
Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics, for the first time since 1900, marks the culmination of a two-year process during which the ICC worked diligently to create a proposal aligned with Olympic values and LA28’s mission to deliver a remarkable experience for athletes, fans, partners, and the local community.
The Olympic Games offer a massive audience, estimated at over 3 billion viewers across television and digital platforms. This presents a unique opportunity for cricket to engage new audiences and expand the sport’s global reach, welcoming a new generation of cricket enthusiasts.
Greg Barclay, Chairman of the ICC, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled that cricket will be part of the LA28 Olympic Games, as confirmed by the IOC Session today. Showcasing our sport at the LA28 Games and, hopefully, many future Olympic Games is a great development for players and fans alike. We thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and trust in our organization’s ability to deliver a world-class event and attract countless new Olympic fans worldwide.”
Mithali Raj, former India captain and the highest female run-scorer of all time, shared her excitement, noting that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics offers players a chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal and be part of a truly special sporting event. It also presents a unique opportunity for cricket to gain more fans worldwide.
