It’s official, cricket is coming back to the Olympic stage. After a jaw-dropping 128-year hiatus, this beloved sport is ready to make history once again, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will be the grand stage for its epic return. It’s a long-awaited celebration—a comeback that merges tradition with modern flair.
Overview of the LA28 Olympics
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028, promising a high-energy, multi-sport spectacle that will captivate audiences worldwide. Among the notable highlights, cricket will officially return to the Olympic stage, marking a significant moment for the sport.
Additionally, several other disciplines will either debut or make a comeback, including baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (Sixes), and squash. These additions reflect the Olympics’ growing emphasis on global representation and audience engagement, ensuring a diverse and exciting competition lineup.
Cricket’s Comeback After Over a Century
Cricket made its only Olympic appearance in the 1900 Paris Games, where Great Britain and France competed in a one-off match that remains a unique chapter in Olympic history. The sport’s long absence can be attributed to logistical challenges, a limited global reach at the time, and its traditionally lengthy format, which didn’t align with the Olympic schedule. However, with the rise of T20 cricket, the game now fits perfectly into the Olympic framework.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and various cricket boards have been actively lobbying for its return, especially as cricket continues to thrive in South Asia, Australia, the UK, and even the USA, making this the ideal moment for its Olympic comeback.
Official Announcement: Cricket Venue Confirmed
A temporary venue at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California will host cricket during the 2028 Olympic Games, as per an official announcement by organising committee of LA28. It’s a brilliant move—leveraging space while introducing the sport to a wider American audience.
Cricket 🤝 West Coast.
Cricket will make its triumphant Olympic return in 2028 from the Fairgrounds in Pomona, CA. 128 years in the making, we can't wait to see the cricketers out on the oval in SoCal.@ICC | #LA28 pic.twitter.com/gyKoMQeCD7
— LA28 (@LA28) April 15, 2025
Cricket will be played in the T20 format, the shortest and most electrifying version of the game. Fast-paced, thrilling, and audience-friendly, it’s tailor-made for Olympic buzz. There will be six teams in the men’s and six in the women’s categories. Each team will have a maximum squad of 15 players, keeping it tight and competitive. By including both men’s and women’s cricket, LA28 champions gender equality—giving female cricketers a global platform to shine just as brightly.
Qualifying Criteria and What’s Next
As of now, the qualifying criteria remain under wraps, but more information is expected in the coming months. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will be working closely with Olympic officials to outline the qualification path and ensure a fair and global representation of teams.
ICC Chairperson Jay Shah’s Statement
Jay Shah, the ICC Chairperson, welcomed the venue announcement, calling it a major step in preparations. “We welcome the announcement of the venue for cricket at Los Angeles 2028 as it is a significant step towards the preparation for our sport’s return to the Olympics,” ICC Chair Jay Shah said.
“Although cricket is a hugely popular sport, it will be a fantastic opportunity to expand traditional boundaries when it features in the Olympics in the fast-paced, exciting T20 format that should appeal to new audiences.
“On behalf of the ICC, I want to express my gratitude to LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their support and look forward to collaborating with them and ICC Members in preparing for LA28 and making cricket a huge success there.”
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