Los Angeles Olympics 2028: Cricket Likely To Be Held On The East Coast

Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1900, and the excitement is building. However, the much-anticipated cricket competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics might not be held in California, despite the initial expectations. Recent reports suggest the cricket games could be moved to the U.S. East Coast, where they aim to capture the massive cricket-loving audience in India and the South Asian region.

Why the East Coast is in Consideration

Hosting the cricket matches on the East Coast would help align the time zone with India and other South Asian countries, where cricket is a passion. The time difference between the East Coast of the U.S. and India is only 9 hours, as opposed to 12 hours from the West Coast.

By scheduling the cricket events on the East Coast, the LA 2028 organizers are targeting this massive market. With over a quarter of the world’s population living in South Asia, and cricket being their favorite sport, the decision to move the event closer to their time zone could significantly boost global viewership for the Olympics.

Challenges of Cricket Infrastructure in the U.S.

One of the biggest challenges in hosting cricket games in the U.S. is the lack of proper infrastructure. Cricket requires large, oval-shaped grounds, which are different from typical American sports venues. While there have been efforts to build suitable cricket stadiums, such as the $30 million modular stadium in Long Island used for the T20 World Cup, most cricket grounds in the U.S. are not permanent. This makes it difficult to find locations that meet the requirements for an Olympic-level event.

New York City stands out as the most likely candidate to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics. It has previously hosted T20 World Cup matches at a modular stadium in Long Island, proving it can accommodate large international cricket events.

Although that stadium was temporary and dismantled after the tournament, there are ongoing plans to develop a permanent world-class cricket facility in New York. Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire owner of the Major League Cricket team MI New York, has reportedly been exploring options to build such a facility.

Qualification and Format for Olympic Cricket

The format and qualification process for the cricket competition at the 2028 Olympics are still being finalized. It’s expected that the top six men’s and women’s teams in the ICC T20 rankings at a certain cutoff date will secure their spots. This approach aims to ensure that the world’s best cricketing nations participate, providing fans with high-quality, competitive matches.

Cricket’s Importance to the 2028 Olympics

The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics is a landmark moment for the sport. For decades, cricket has been primarily played in Commonwealth countries, with limited exposure in the Olympics. By bringing cricket to the Olympics, the LA 2028 organizers are tapping into a new global audience, particularly in countries where the sport has a deep-rooted history. This decision could also elevate the status of cricket globally, introducing it to new markets and audiences.