In a landmark announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), cricket is officially set to make its long-awaited comeback to the Olympic Games in 2028. The iconic sport, last played at the Olympics in 1900, will feature six men’s and six women’s teams at the Los Angeles Games, marking its return after a staggering 128 years.

T20 Format Chosen for Olympic Debut: 90 Players to Compete in Each Gender Category

Cricket at LA28 will be contested in the fast-paced and globally popular T20 format, which aligns with the Olympics’ mission to attract younger audiences and ensure quick, exciting matches. A total of 90 players will participate in each event, bringing together elite cricketers from across the globe. This format ensures a compact, viewer-friendly version of the sport that fits well into the tight Olympic schedule.

Qualification Details Awaited as Global T20 Participation Poses a Unique Challenge

While the inclusion has been confirmed, the qualification pathway for both men’s and women’s teams is yet to be revealed. Given that T20 cricket is played by nearly 100 countries, determining which nations make the final cut will be a critical next step. There is growing speculation that the United States, as host nation, may receive automatic qualification, opening a new chapter for cricket’s growth in North America.

Cricket Among Five New Sports Added to the LA28 Olympic Lineup

Cricket’s re-entry into the Olympics is part of a broader evolution of the Games. The LA28 Olympic program, officially approved on April 9, includes five new sports: cricket, squash, flag football, baseball/softball, and lacrosse. These additions contribute an extra 698 athlete slots, while maintaining the overall Olympic athlete cap of 10,500 participants.

Recent Success at Global Multisport Events Strengthens Cricket’s Olympic Case

Cricket has seen a revival in major international multisport events, reinforcing its case for Olympic inclusion. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, women’s cricket was showcased for the first time, with Australia taking gold and India clinching silver. In the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India’s dominance continued, winning gold in both men’s and women’s T20 events, reflecting the sport’s growing competitiveness across genders.

ICC’s Long-Term Vision Bears Fruit with Olympic Inclusion for LA28

The campaign to bring cricket to the Olympics began gaining serious traction in August 2021, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) publicly declared its intent. After two years of lobbying, collaboration, and strategic alignment with the LA28 Organising Committee, cricket was officially included in October 2023. This was a significant milestone in a long journey to position cricket as a globally inclusive Olympic sport.

Jay Shah’s Strategic Leadership Instrumental in Cricket’s Olympic Breakthrough

A major force behind this breakthrough was Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman and former BCCI Secretary. His leadership and strategic vision have been pivotal in the successful campaign for Olympic inclusion. Shah has already turned his attention to securing cricket’s place in future Olympic Games, including Brisbane 2032, reinforcing a broader commitment to elevating cricket on the world’s most prestigious sporting platform.

Cricket’s Olympic Journey Begins Anew, Bringing New Hope for Global Expansion

The inclusion of cricket in the LA28 Olympics represents more than just a return—it’s a reinvention. With the T20 format, gender parity, and a global qualification structure on the horizon, the sport is poised to reach new audiences and untapped regions. For nations like India, England, Australia, and beyond, this is not only a chance to win medals—but to shape the next era of cricket.