Cricket is all set to make its grand return to the Olympic stage in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave the green light to this monumental inclusion during a session held in Mumbai, marking a historic milestone for the sport.
Cricket’s Olympic Comeback
The buzz around this decision had been mounting, and cricket fans across the globe can now rejoice. Both men’s and women’s cricket teams will compete in the fast-paced Twenty20 format. Initially, six teams from each category will participate in LA28. This development places cricket alongside Olympic disciplines and also offers a golden opportunity for athletes to stand out on a global platform.
Joining cricket in the Olympic roster are baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, adding a fresh dimension to the world’s most celebrated sporting event.
A Vision Realized: Nita Ambani’s Triumph
Nita Ambani, an IOC member and the majestic owner of the IPL’s Mumbai Indians, shared her joy at this historic decision. She highlighted that how cricket’s presence could pave the way for new scopes in the world of sports. “As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and a passionate cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028!”
This momentous resolution was particularly significant for India, as the IOC session returned to the country after 40 years. “I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the 141st IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai,” She added.
A Dream Attained: Janet Evans on Athlete Aspirations
Janet Evans, LA28 Chief Athlete Officer, expressed her excitement at the opportunities this decision presents for athletes worldwide. “The hope of an Olympic dream just became an active pursuit for countless athletes worldwide. This remarkable journey over the next five years without a shred of doubt will change lives, inspiring athletes with the opportunity to represent their sport and country on the world’s biggest platform.”
The Olympics, with its global stage and unparalleled scale, claims it to be a whole new experience for athletes, marking them as valuable contributors to the LA28 Games.
ICC and BCCI: A Joint Glee
Greg Barclay, the Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), specified his organization’s priority in seeing cricket at the Olympics. He thanked LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their trust in cricket’s capability to captivate the world. This momentous decision happened together with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup being hosted in Mumbai.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) played an instrumental role in making this Olympic dream a reality. Jay Shah, BCCI’s Secretary, was a key part of the ICC Olympics Working Group, advocating strongly for cricket’s inclusion not only in the Olympics but also in multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games and the recent Asian Games.
Shah shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Our active participation has been instrumental in promoting the case for cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics. This initiative aligns with the idea of India hosting the 2036 Olympics, as our Honourable Prime Minister envisioned.”
A New Era for Cricket
Cricket in the Olympics is a game changer, expanding the reach of the sport to untapped global markets. It promises to bring not just glory but also financial growth and development, fueling infrastructural progress, intensifying competition, nurturing youth talent, and creating opportunities for professionals and volunteers.
Fans can look forward to a sporting spectacle like no other in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With this monumental decision, Virat Kohli’s vision for cricket as an Olympic sport has become a reality, offering new opportunities and new Heights for the sport and its passionate followers.