Highlighting the growing international significance of cricket and enthusiasm, recently, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced that Cricket will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Committee confirmed this decision in October 2023, alongside the inclusion of sports like flag football, lacrosse, squash, and softball. The Olympic cricket tournaments will feature six teams each in both men’s and women’s Twenty20 formats.
In India, the announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, expressed delight over cricket’s inclusion, stating, “As a cricket-loving nation, we specially welcome the inclusion of cricket, reflecting the rising global popularity of this wonderful sport.”
Additionally, IOC member Nita Ambani praised the decision, noting that cricket’s inclusion would engage the Olympic movement with cricket-loving nations, particularly in South Asia.
Mithali Raj, Former Indian cricket captain, also welcomed the news, “It’s so exciting that cricket is now an Olympic sport and will make its return at LA28.”
The qualification process and team selections are yet to be finalized, but the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is anticipated to inspire a new generation of players and fans worldwide.
To be noted, this inclusion of Cricket is not the first time, as it was played in the year 1900 during the Paris Summer Olympics.
Cricket in the 1900 Olympics:
- It was the first and only time cricket featured in the Olympics—until now.
- Only two teams played: Great Britain and France.
- Great Britain won the match and technically became the first (and so far only) Olympic gold medalist in cricket.
Why was cricket excluded after 1900?
- The long duration of traditional cricket formats.
- Limited international participation back then.
- Lack of a global governing push for inclusion.
