Los Angeles, April 2025 – After more than a century-long absence, cricket is officially returning to the Olympics, with the T20 format set to debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the inclusion of cricket among five new sports, reigniting global interest and excitement among cricket lovers and athletes alike.
This marks a historic moment for cricket, which last featured at the Olympics in 1900 during the Paris Games. Now, over 128 years later, the sport is poised to take center stage in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Format and Participation: What We Know So Far
Cricket at the LA 2028 Olympics will be played in the T20 format, the shortest and most thrilling version of the game. According to the proposal approved by the IOC Executive Board, the tournament will feature:
- 6 men’s teams
- 6 women’s teams
- Each squad will consist of 15 players, aligning with standard ICC T20 norms.
- A total of 90 male and 90 female cricketers will participate.
The shorter T20 format was a natural choice for the Olympics, given its fast-paced nature and ability to fit neatly into the Games’ tight schedule.
IOC Approval: A Major Milestone for Global Cricket
The inclusion was officially greenlit by the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board, following a proposal from the LA 2028 Organizing Committee. Along with cricket, four other sports were approved for inclusion:
- Softball
- Flag Football
- Lacrosse (Sixes format)
- Squash
These additions are seen as part of an effort to make the Olympic Games more youth-oriented, dynamic, and reflective of global sporting interest.
Champions to Represent Their Nations
Interestingly, India’s men’s cricket team and New Zealand’s women’s team are expected to enter the 2028 Olympic Games as reigning T20 World Champions.
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India clinched the men’s T20 World Cup title, while Sophie Devine led New Zealand to a stunning victory in the women’s edition.
Their success not only highlights their dominance on the global stage but also puts them in a strong position heading into the Olympic debut.
Where Will the Cricket Matches Be Held?
While cricket’s inclusion is confirmed, the venues within Los Angeles are yet to be finalized. Discussions are underway between the LA 2028 committee, local authorities, and global cricket bodies. Given the sport’s unique infrastructure requirements, dedicated cricketing venues or multi-sport stadiums may be repurposed to accommodate the matches.
The final schedule and venue details are expected to be announced closer to the event, possibly by late 2027.
Will Pakistan Miss Out?
With only six teams allowed per gender, qualification will be a significant hurdle. As of now, if ICC T20 rankings are used as the primary criterion, Pakistan’s men’s team, currently ranked 7th, may not make the cut.
This could be another setback for Pakistan, which has seen inconsistent performances in recent ICC tournaments. Unless their rankings improve in the lead-up to LA 2028, they might have to watch the Olympic action from the sidelines.
Why This Matters
Cricket’s return to the Olympics is more than just a sporting decision — it’s a strategic move aimed at expanding the game’s global footprint. The sport, which enjoys massive popularity in countries like India, England, Australia, and South Africa, is relatively less prominent in the U.S. market.
By hosting cricket matches in Los Angeles, organizers aim to boost cricket’s visibility and growth in North America, one of the ICC’s priority markets for expansion.
A New Chapter for Cricket
With global viewership expected to soar and players vying for the prestigious Olympic medal, cricket’s inclusion at the LA 2028 Games could redefine how the sport is perceived and played globally. It also opens the doors for Olympic dreams among young cricketers, offering them a new platform to represent their nations on the world’s most celebrated stage.
As the countdown to LA 2028 begins, one thing is certain — cricket at the Olympics is not just a game-changer; it’s a game reborn.
