“I’d like to play the Olympics…”: Steven Smith Eyes 2028 Olympics Return for Cricket

Steven Smith, one of Australia’s cricketing icons, has set his sights on a remarkable goal—the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Known for his stellar performances across formats, Smith has expressed his desire to extend his T20 career to be part of cricket’s much-anticipated return to the Olympic stage. His recent exploits in the Big Bash League (BBL) further solidify his credentials as one of the finest T20 players in the world.

Steven Smith’s T20 Legacy

In recent years, Smith has been overlooked in the T20 format, missing out on the T20 World Cup squad and not being picked in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions. However, his performances in domestic leagues continue to remind fans of his exceptional skills.

Smith’s unbeaten 121 off 64 balls against Perth Scorchers was a masterclass in power hitting and innovation. With seven sixes, he demonstrated why he remains a force to be reckoned with in T20 cricket. Smith has now equaled the record for the most centuries in BBL history, achieving three tons in just 32 matches. His impressive average of 45.88 and a strike rate of 146.3 underline his dominance in the format.

Cricket at the 2028 Olympics

Cricket will make its Olympic comeback in 2028, having last featured in 1900. The inclusion reflects the sport’s growing global appeal. For players like Smith, the Olympics represent a unique opportunity to showcase cricket on a global platform and inspire future generations.

Steven Smith’s Aspirations for T20 Cricket

Smith’s love for the T20 format is evident in his consistent performances. He aims to adapt and refine his game to remain competitive against younger players. Smith, who will be 39 by 2028, acknowledges the physical and mental challenges but remains optimistic about staying fit and focused. Smith admires the new generation of cricketers and believes their dynamism motivates him to elevate his own game.

Smith said, “I’d like to play the Olympics, I reckon that would be cool. We’ll see how far I go in terms of long-form cricket. But I am going to play short-form cricket for a while I think when I do finish. You never know. There are a lot of good young kids who are smacking the ball out of the park.”

Smith’s Role in Australian Cricket

As a former captain and experienced player, Smith brings invaluable insights and stability to the team. Smith’s journey serves as an inspiration for budding cricketers, and his guidance could shape the next generation of T20 stars.

Smith emphasizes the importance of playing percentages and adjusting gears during innings, a strategy he plans to hone further. Smith’s focus on fitness and game awareness will be crucial in ensuring his longevity in the sport.

Smith added, “I find the more I play back-to-back games you get in sync with the game. Even [Saturday] I don’t think I played my first 10 balls really well. I was probably going a bit too hard for how the wicket was playing. But if I am playing T20s regularly, I probably come out with a slightly different mindset at the start, give myself a bit more time. It’s just the gears and going up and down in the gears throughout the innings [that change for T20s]. And just playing the percentages.”

The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is expected to boost the sport’s popularity, especially in non-traditional markets. Players like Smith can help elevate cricket’s profile on the world stage, attracting new fans and fostering international interest.

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