After more than a century-long wait, cricket is finally making its Olympic comeback! The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the T20 format will feature in the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, with matches scheduled to begin on July 12 and run through July 29.
The women’s medal match will be held on July 20, while the men’s final will cap off the tournament on July 29, making it a landmark event for global cricket fans.
128 Years Later, Cricket Returns to the Olympic Stage
It’s been a staggering 128 years since cricket was last played at the Olympics. The sport made its only appearance back in 1900, when Great Britain defeated France in a one-off match in Paris to claim gold. Since then, cricket has exploded in popularity across continents — and now, it’s ready for its Olympic revival.
Here’s What the Format Looks Like
The LA 2028 cricket tournament will feature six teams in both men’s and women’s categories. Each team will be allowed to field a 15-player squad, with 90 athlete spots allocated for each tournament.
All matches will be played at the Fairplex grounds in Pomona, roughly 50 kilometers from downtown Los Angeles. The venue is expected to be a lively gathering point for fans, bringing cricket’s unique atmosphere to an entirely new audience.
Timings Tailored for Global Fans
Most matchdays will feature double-headers, and the start times have been carefully chosen to suit cricket’s massive fanbase in India and beyond. Games will start at 9:30 PM IST and 7:00 AM IST, ensuring maximum viewership across time zones.
How Will Teams Qualify? That’s Still Being Decided
The excitement is real, but one key detail remains under wraps — how teams will qualify. The International Cricket Council (ICC) hasn’t finalized the qualification process yet. It was a central topic during their Annual Conference in Singapore, which kicked off on July 17.
The complete schedule and qualification format are expected to be released closer to the Games.
Cricket Joins a Power-Packed Lineup of New Olympic Sports
Cricket is just one of several sports making a debut (or return) at LA 2028. The others include:
- Baseball/Softball
- Flag Football
- Lacrosse (Sixes)
- Squash
The addition of cricket, particularly in the fast-paced T20 format, is expected to boost Olympic viewership significantly — especially from South Asia, the UK, Australia, and other cricket-loving nations.
Not the First Time Cricket’s Gone Global
While this is cricket’s first Olympic appearance in over a century, the sport has been making quiet moves on the global stage. It was featured in the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023. And most recently, the women’s T20 competition was part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where Australia defeated India in a thrilling final to win gold.
The return of cricket to the Olympics in 2028 marks more than just a scheduling milestone — it’s a sign that the sport is finally getting the global stage it deserves.
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