CRICKET'S OLYMPIC RETURN DRAWS AN ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE

Cricket’s return to the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games drew an enthusiastic response from around the world. Cricket, a bat-and-ball game that is hugely popular in south Asia, was one of five sports added to the LA Games...

Cricket’s return to the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games drew an enthusiastic response from around the world. Cricket, a bat-and-ball game that is hugely popular in south Asia, was one of five sports added to the LA Games by the International Olympic Committee. Flag football, baseball-softball, lacrosse and squash were also included.

“After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage,” former India captain Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special!” 

The decision was made at an IOC meeting in Mumbai, the Indian city that will host five matches at the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

“Our beautiful game of cricket has a rich heritage and diverse international following,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam, the world’s top-ranked one-day international batsman. “It has the potential to enhance the spirit of Olympics even further. Cricket in the Olympics will inspire new generation, athletes and fans around the globe.”