LA28's recommendation for inclusion of cricket in Olympics delights ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is thrilled with the decision made by the organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to propose the inclusion of cricket as a sport in the Games. Following a comprehensive two-year process, during which the ICC collaborated closely with LA28 , the selection of sports to be added in Los Angeles now incorporates cricket. This development marks a significant milestone, as cricket's inclusion will be submitted for approval to the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ). “We are delighted that LA28 have recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics ," said ICC chairman Greg Barclay in a media statement. “Whilst this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century. “I’d like to thank LA28 for their support during the new sport evaluation process over last two years and we look forward to the final decision being taken at the IOC Session, in India, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next week.” Cricket has a historical connection to the Olympics, having been featured only once before in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where England and France competed for the gold medal. In the upcoming 2028 Olympics, both men's and women's T20 cricket competitions will be included. This decision holds significant potential for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to tap into the lucrative Asian sub-continent market, where cricket enjoys immense popularity. Furthermore, the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is expected to have a profound impact on expanding the global reach and appeal of the sport, taking it to new audiences and regions.