Cricket included in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
MUMBAI: Cricket and flag football were among five sports added to the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games after being approved by the International Olympic Committee.
The ICC has led the proposal and expansive two-year process for cricket to be added to the Olympic Games programme with LA28 also recommending its inclusion to the IOC last week.
The IOC formally ratified the addition of cricket to the Olympic Games at LA28 during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai on Monday.
The Olympic Games is estimated to have an audience of more than three billion viewers across TV and digital platforms, representing a unique opportunity for cricket to engage new audiences.
This will further boost the popular sport’s reach across the world, opening the door to a new generation of cricket enthusiasts and fans. The sports will be held with a proposed six-team Twenty20 format for women and men.
Lacrosse, squash and baseball-softball were also approved at an IOC meeting in Mumbai, having been proposed by 2028 organisers. Under IOC rules, each host city can request the inclusion of several sports for their edition of the Games.
Weightlifting also secured its spot after changes were made to its anti-doping testing procedures, among other things. Both sports had been provisionally left out of the LA Games.
Boxing’s participation remained in doubt and any decision to include it was put on hold pending developments in governance issues.
“We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today,” International Cricket Council Chairman Greg Barclay said.
“To have the opportunity to showcase our great sport at the LA28 Games and hopefully many Olympic Games to come will be great for players and fans alike.”
“I’d like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and for their trust in our organisation’s ability to deliver a world-class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world.”
“The fact that the IOC confirmation of our selection occurred here in Mumbai, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, is truly icing on the cake. The innings have just begun, and we can’t wait to see where this incredible journey leads.”
The IOC hopes cricket’s inclusion will activate and engage a large, new Olympic audience, with the sport’s worldwide fan base estimated at 2.5 billion people.