Cricket is set to make a historic return to the Olympic Games, ending a century-long absence, alongside baseball and softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, as part of the Los Angeles 2028 lineup. The decision was made during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, held in India, a cricket-loving nation that's currently hosting the men's Cricket World Cup. This move, which followed approval from the IOC Olympic Programme Commission and the Executive Board, marks a significant moment for both the IOC and cricket enthusiasts.
In India, where cricket is revered as a national passion, the news was met with widespread enthusiasm. Renowned athletes and Bollywood stars alike praised the decision, seeing it as an opportunity for India to showcase its cricket talent on the global stage and promote the sport's international appeal. This development is expected to further popularize cricket and encourage more countries to invest in the sport.
“It's great tidings for India as we have a great cricket team and some superb up-and-coming players with a lot of potential,” Indian javelin ace Neeraj Chopra said. “This will also benefit cricket as an entry into the Olympics will only further its worldwide appeal. “I was an athlete before I became an actor and sports is in my DNA. Cricket is like a religion in India and so, it’s really exciting,” top actress Deepika Padukone noted.
Cricket's inclusion in the LA28 Olympics follows a growing trend of the sport's participation in various multi-sport events. It had previously featured in the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with both men's and women's cricket tournaments played in the popular T20 format. The sport also made appearances in the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023. “The moment we got to know that we could also be potentially a part of the Olympics, we were all really excited,” Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the Indian women’s cricket team to a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, said.
The addition of cricket to the Olympic program has already significantly boosted broadcast rights, underlining the sport's widespread appeal. This historic inclusion is celebrated as a win-win for the IOC, the Organizing Committee, and cricket enthusiasts around the world. What are your thoughts on this epic inclusion do let us know.