Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will greatly benefit the sport.
Ponting noted that the return of cricket to the Olympics after a 128-year absence is a significant milestone. "It's undeniably a positive development for our game," he said. "Over the past 15 or 20 years, I’ve been involved in various committees, and the topic of bringing cricket back to the Olympics has always been a priority. Finally, it’s happening, and it's just four years away. This also presents a great opportunity for cricket to establish itself at the grassroots level in the US."
Cricket’s only previous appearance at the Olympics was in 1900, when Great Britain and France were the sole competitors, with Great Britain taking the gold medal.
Ponting stated that the Olympic Games are not just about the host nation, but about the global audience it attracts. "The Olympic Games are viewed by millions worldwide, exposing our sport to entirely new audiences. This can only be a tremendous boost for cricket, which is already growing steadily," he explained.
While Ponting acknowledged that there are still logistical details to work out, such as infrastructure and qualification pathways, he expressed optimism about the sport’s future. "Facilities and infrastructure will be crucial, and the number of teams allowed to participate will also play a big role. They’re currently discussing including just six or seven teams, so qualifying for the Olympics will be highly competitive. These are important considerations, but I’m really excited about the direction cricket is heading and the emerging markets we’re seeing."
The cricket competition at the 2028 Olympics will be in the T20 format, featuring both men's and women's teams.
Earlier this year, cricket also gained attention in the USA when the country co-hosted the men’s T20 World Cup with the West Indies.