Date: October 13, 2023
In a groundbreaking decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has embraced the inclusion of cricket as one of the five new sports set to grace the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. IOC President Thomas Bach made this historic announcement following an executive board meeting in Mumbai.
The proposal to introduce cricket, along with baseball/softball, flag football (non-contact American football), squash, and lacrosse, was put forth by LA organizers and has been met with resounding approval from IOC officials. Thomas Bach emphasized the importance of these selections, aligning them with the rich tapestry of American sports culture, showcasing iconic American sports to the world while opening doors for international sports to captivate the United States.
Bach further elaborated on the significance of this inclusion, emphasizing its potential to engage with new athletes and fan communities in the U.S. and globally. The five sports have been accepted as a package, illustrating a dynamic move for the Olympic Movement.
Cricket’s presence at the Olympics has been relatively limited, with only two appearances at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and Birmingham in 2022. Remarkably, cricket has not been a part of the Olympic Games since 1900 when England defeated France in a memorable one-off match to secure the coveted Gold medal.
The path to Olympic recognition for cricket was far from straightforward. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had to meet a comprehensive set of criteria. It wasn’t until 2005, when they assumed control of the women’s game and the implementation of a WADA-compliant anti-doping code in 2006 that the ICC satisfied the stringent requirements set by the IOC.
As we look forward to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the inclusion of cricket adds an exciting new dimension to this celebrated sporting event. The world’s most popular bat-and-ball game will once again grace the Olympic stage, sparking the imagination of fans worldwide and potentially opening doors for a new generation of cricketers.
The enthusiasm and anticipation are palpable as the cricketing world eagerly awaits this historic moment. With cricket’s return to the Olympics, fans, athletes, and cricketing nations have much to celebrate and look forward to in the coming years. The legacy of cricket in the Olympic Games is about to be rewritten, and it promises to be an exhilarating journey. #OlympicGames #LA2028 https://www.sportiwe.com/
