Cricket Set for Historic Return to the 2028 Olympics

Cricket is set to make a momentous return to the Olympic Games in 2028, ending a 128-year absence. This significant development follows a comprehensive two-year process, marking a new era for the sport on the global stage. The International Cricket Council (ICC), in collaboration with the Los Angeles 2028 Organising Committee (LA28), successfully achieved this milestone, which is expected to greatly enhance cricket's international popularity and reach.

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins acknowledged that the prospect of cricket's Olympic return feels distant at the moment. "Honestly, it feels a long way away," he remarked, though he conceded that the excitement will build as the event draws nearer. Cummins, who has already secured three ICC trophies with Australia—including the T20 World Cup in 2021, the ODI World Cup, and the World Test Championship in 2023—reflects on how this Olympic inclusion will further cement the sport's legacy.

The 2028 Olympics will feature men's and women's T20 cricket, a format well-suited to the fast-paced nature of the Games. This decision is anticipated to boost the sport's popularity, especially in regions where cricket is still emerging. While cricket already enjoys widespread popularity on the Asian subcontinent, its inclusion in the Olympics is expected to open new markets, particularly in the United States. The success of Major League Cricket and the upcoming co-hosting of the men's T20 World Cup have already fuelled cricket's growing appeal in the U.S.

Cricket's Olympic debut also presents a valuable opportunity for the ICC's Associate members. Participation in the Games is likely to attract increased funding and infrastructure support from national Olympic committees, which will aid the development of cricket in countries where the sport is still growing.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised cricket's potential and added it to the Olympic roster alongside other new sports such as flag football, lacrosse, and squash. This decision highlights cricket's global audience and marketability, aligning with the IOC's strategy to attract diverse viewers and boost financial backing.

As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics begins, cricket fans, particularly in the United States, are celebrating this historic achievement. The USA Cricket Board has expressed its enthusiasm, crediting the ICC and the U.S. Olympic Committee for making this dream a reality. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is not just a victory for the sport but also a testament to its growing influence and potential in previously untapped regions.