Cricket is set to make a return to the Olympic Games, as it is among five new sports approved for the 2028 edition in Los Angeles, announced the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday. The decision, following a vote at the IOC session in Mumbai, adds cricket, flag football, squash, lacrosse, and baseball/softball to the Olympic programme.

Last week, the IOC’s executive board had accepted a proposal by Los Angeles organizers for the inclusion of T20 cricket, the sport’s shortest format. The final decision was subject to the vote at the IOC session, and it received approval. Cricket, which last featured at the Olympics in 1900, will now return to the global sporting event.

The proposal from Los Angeles organizers envisions a six-team T20 cricket event for both men and women. While the United States is expected to field teams as the host nation, details about the number of teams and the qualification process are yet to be finalized.

Financially, adding cricket to the Olympic programme is considered advantageous, especially tapping into the lucrative South Asian market with significant fan bases in countries like India and Pakistan. The move aligns with the global growth of cricket, with leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the recent launch of Major League Cricket in the United States.

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Greg Barclay hailed the decision, stating that cricket’s inclusion in the LA 2028 programme is a “massive shot in the arm for the game.”

However, the IOC mentioned that the status of boxing at the 2028 Games remains “on hold” after stripping the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its recognition. The decision to exclude the IBA was made due to concerns over the credibility of IBA-sanctioned tournaments, financial issues, and governance disputes.

Key Points:

1. New Olympic Sports: Cricket, flag football, squash, lacrosse, and baseball/softball have been approved as new sports for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

2. T20 Cricket Inclusion: The proposal includes T20 cricket as part of the Olympic programme, with a six-team event for both men and women.

3. Financial Impact: The addition of cricket is seen as financially beneficial, tapping into the South Asian market and leveraging the global popularity of the sport.

4. Olympic Return: Cricket returns to the Olympic Games after last featuring in 1900, reflecting the sport’s global growth and significance.

5. Boxing Status: The status of boxing at the 2028 Games remains uncertain as the IOC has put it “on hold” after stripping the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its recognition.

The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is anticipated to enhance the global visibility and reach of the sport, providing a significant platform for cricket on the world stage.