Cricket included in 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, IOC Announces Historic Decision

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that cricket will make a triumphant return to the Olympics in 2028, as part of the Los Angeles Olympic Games. This decision marks the revival of cricket’s Olympic journey after a hiatus of 128 years.

The 2028 Olympics will not only feature cricket but also introduce several other sports, including baseball/softball, lacrosse, squash, and flag football. The proposal to include these sports in the Olympic program was met with resounding approval during the 141st IOC session, currently underway in Mumbai.

Cricket’s previous and only appearance at the Olympics was in 1900 in Paris, where Great Britain emerged victorious in the final against France. While the sport has been absent from the Olympic stage for over a century, it has continued to thrive in other international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

Although the majority of IOC members supported the inclusion of cricket and the four other sports, two members expressed opposition, and one abstained from voting. The official IOC Media Twitter account confirmed the decision, stating, “The proposal from the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 to include five new sports in the programme has been accepted by the IOC Session. Baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash will be in the programme at LA28. #IOCMumbai2023.”

The announcement of cricket’s return to the Olympics was met with overwhelming joy and enthusiasm, especially in cricket-loving nations. Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and IOC board member, expressed her delight at the decision.

“As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and an ardent cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028!” said Nita Ambani. “Cricket is one of the most loved sports globally, and the second most watched. For 1.4 billion Indians, cricket is not just a sport, it’s a religion! So I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the 141st IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai.”

Ambani also emphasized the broader impact of this decision, stating, “The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics will create deeper engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographies. And at the same time, provides a boost to cricket’s growing international popularity. I thank and congratulate the IOC and the LA Organizing Committee for their support of this landmark decision. It’s truly a day of great joy and jubilation!”

The IOC session in Mumbai was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, and it serves as a pivotal gathering for members of the International Olympic Committee to make significant decisions about the future of the Olympic Games. This marks the second time that India has hosted an IOC session, with the last one being held in New Delhi in 1983, after a gap of approximately four decades.

ICC Chief Expresses Thrill and Gratitude as Cricket Returns to Olympics in 2028

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman, Greg Barclay, expressed his excitement and gratitude as cricket was officially included in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.

Barclay, speaking on Monday, extended his heartfelt thanks to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their unwavering support. He described the confirmation of cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics during the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup as “truly an icing on the cake.”

“We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today,” said ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, according to an ICC statement. “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.”

Barclay went on to express his gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and for their trust in our organization’s ability to deliver a world-class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world.”

Highlighting the significance of the announcement being made in Mumbai, Barclay concluded, “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 cannot wait to see where this incredible journey leads.”

Cricket Returns to Olympics After a Century

The decision to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics marks a historic moment for the sport. Cricket’s previous appearance at the Olympics was in 1900, with Great Britain emerging as the champions. Since then, cricket has been a prominent fixture in events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

The ICC played a pivotal role in advocating for cricket’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, with LA28 also recommending it to the IOC. The formal ratification by the IOC took place during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai.

The Olympics, with an estimated audience of over three billion viewers across television and digital platforms, offers cricket a unique opportunity to reach new audiences and further expand its global popularity.

Former Indian captain and all-time leading female run-scorer, Mithali Raj, expressed her excitement about cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics. “Players will get the chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal and be part of the games, which will be so special. It is also a chance for more fans around the world to enjoy our fantastic sport,” she said.

Virat Kohli’s Mention During IOC Session Highlights Global Reach of Indian Cricket

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli’s global influence and reach were underscored during the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 141st session, where cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics was announced.

Niccolo Campriani, the Sports Director of the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, acknowledged Virat Kohli’s immense popularity, stating, “My friend Virat Kohli has 340 million Social Media followers, making him the third most followed athlete – surpassing combined numbers of LeBron James (NBA basketball star), Tom Brady (American football icon), and Tiger Woods (American golf legend).”

Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the discussion is no surprise given his outstanding cricketing career, which includes more than 25,000 international runs, 77 centuries, and numerous memorable moments. Often regarded as the heir to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy, Kohli has become an iconic figure in the world of cricket.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kohli’s Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, also acknowledged this recognition. In a tweet, RCB celebrated Kohli’s impact on the sport and his role as a global cricket ambassador.

“KOHLIFIED! The Face and the Brand, not just for RCB or Team India, but for Cricket as a sport too! Sports Director at #LA28 explains why it’s a win-win to have Cricket at the #Olympics. #PlayBold,” tweeted RCB.

Nita Ambani Hails Cricket’s Olympic Inclusion as a “Big Decision for South-East Asian Nations”

International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Nita Ambani expressed her elation at the inclusion of cricket in the sports program for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Ambani, a prominent figure in Indian sports, emphasized the historic significance of this decision, not only for India but also for South-East Asian nations.

“This day is historic. This is a big decision for South-East Asian nations, not only India,” said Nita Ambani, speaking to ANI. She also highlighted the positive impact this inclusion would have on young athletes, stating, “All our children will start getting involved in sports. There is nothing better than channeling their energy in sports. I have always said that children learn as much in a sports field as they do in a classroom.”

“Dawn of a New Era”: Sachin Tendulkar Celebrates Cricket’s Return to LA28 Olympics

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, fondly known as the ‘Master Blaster,’ expressed his joy and excitement over the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, marking the return of the sport to the Olympic stage after more than a century.

In a heartfelt message, Tendulkar celebrated this historic moment, saying, “After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage at @LA28. This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special.”

Versatile batter Suryakumar Yadav also shared his excitement, stating, “Happy and thrilled to hear the news of the inclusion of Cricket in the Olympic Games. Another opportunity to represent our country at a global stage.”

Opening batter Ishan Kishan echoed the sentiment, expressing his happiness by saying, “Fantastic news, cannot wait for our beloved sport to be showcased on a global scale. See you at the games.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman, Greg Barclay, echoed the excitement within the cricketing community, thanking the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their support. He stated, “We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today. 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,” as per an official statement.

The IOC session, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Olympic Games. India’s role as the host for the IOC session, after nearly four decades, underscores the country’s growing influence in the world of sports. The last IOC session held in India was the 86th session in New Delhi in 1983.