In a remarkable stride for cricket’s global aspirations, the LA28 Olympic Games organising committee has tabled an official proposal to include cricket in the 2028 games set to be staged in the United States.
Championing the T20 format – cricket’s briefest version – the committee’s recommendations also span other sports, with baseball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash being pushed for Olympic inclusion. This move echoes Los Angeles’s core ethos of embracing diversity. Organisers commented, “Introducing these sports is our way of rejuvenating the games and fostering deeper ties with international federations and pro leagues.”
A Crucial Review Awaited
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will assess this proposal during its 141st Session in Mumbai later this month. If given the green light, these newly proposed sports would augment the 28 events lined up for the LA28 Olympics.
In a statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) conveyed its elation about the recommendation, shedding light on two years of synergy with the LA28 committee. ICC Chairman Greg Barclay remarked, “Though it’s a preliminary step, this recommendation is a pivotal juncture in cricket’s Olympic journey, potentially marking its return after over 100 years.”
A historical footnote: Cricket had its brief Olympic moment in 1900 when England clinched gold against France in a singular match played in Paris.
