- T20 cricket has been confirmed as a feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
- This decision marks cricket’s return to the Olympics after 128 years.
Cricket enthusiasts in the United States have reason to celebrate as T20 cricket has been confirmed as a feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The proposal to include cricket at the LA28 Games was approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), following a recommendation from the LA Local Organizing Committee (LALOG) and their package of five new sports, including cricket (men’s and women’s T20s).
The USA Cricket Board wish to express their excitement and laud the efforts of the ICC and the USOC in working to make this dream a reality.
The decision to introduce cricket to the Olympics aligns with the IOC’s efforts to attract new audiences and financial support, recognizing cricket’s global reach. Furthermore, the success of the first season of Major League Cricket in the USA and the upcoming co-hosting of the men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 has provided a much-needed catalyst for the growth of the game in the USA, building off the back of all the grassroots work being done by USA Cricket and the cricket community at large.
All team sports at LA28 will have six-team events for both men and women, with the specific qualification system to be decided by 2025. This inclusion of cricket in the Olympics carries significant implications for ICC’s Associates, who stand to receive increased funding and potential infrastructure support from their national Olympic bodies.
This decision marks cricket’s return to the Olympics after a long absence of 128 years since its brief appearance in the 1900 Paris Games.
ICC chairman Greg Barclay said including cricket at the Olympics was a “priority” for the game’s governing body. “Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympic Games has been a priority for our organization, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our great sport and athletes at the LA28 Games, and hopefully many Olympic Games to come,” he said.
Venu Pisike, Chair of the USA Cricket Board added… “As Chair of the Board, I am thrilled by this momentous decision to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It’s a game-changer for USA Cricket, opening new horizons and strengthening our sport’s roots. This marks an exciting chapter in our journey to inspire and unite the cricketing community in the USA. We have a lot of work to do as the National Governing Body and a community to ensure we position ourselves to march thru this incredible journey T20WC24 to LA28”
FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT
Email: media@usacricket.org
ABOUT USA CRICKET
USA Cricket is the National Federation for cricket in the United States, officially recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Our mission is to govern, regulate, develop, and promote all forms of cricket at all levels within the United States. We are dedicated to enabling U.S. cricketers to achieve sustained competitive excellence and successfully compete in national and international competitions.
Our diverse Board of Directors, representing various cricket stakeholder groups, is committed to leading the sport to new heights. We create and administer value-added programs to grow and develop cricket, ensuring that it remains a thriving and inclusive sport within the United States.
We extend our gratitude to all members, volunteers, umpires, coaches, administrators, parents, and supporters who contribute to the growth of cricket in the United States. Your unwavering support is instrumental in our journey to success, and we look forward to a bright future for cricket in the USA.
For further updates and information, please visit our website at www.usacricket.org
