In a groundbreaking decision that brings a beloved global sport back into the Olympic spotlight, the organizers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games have confirmed that the city of Pomona in Southern California will host the cricket matches. This announcement marks a historic return of cricket to the Olympics after a 128-year absence.

LA28 Olympic Games to Feature Men’s and Women’s Cricket Competitions in the Fast-Paced T20 Format for the First Time in Over a Century

Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are set to witness an Olympic revival of the sport as both men’s and women’s teams will compete in the T20 format at the LA28 Games. The event will run from July 14 to July 30, 2028, and promises high-energy action that could bring millions of new fans to the sport.

Fairplex Grounds in Pomona to Transform into a Temporary Cricket Arena as Organizers Aim for Global Impact and Local Excitement

The cricket events will be held at the historic Fairplex in Pomona, a 500-acre site known for hosting the Los Angeles County Fair since 1922. A specially constructed temporary stadium will be built to accommodate the Olympic matches, showcasing the sport in a modern, purpose-built environment.

ICC Celebrates Cricket’s Inclusion in the Olympic Movement as a Milestone for the Sport’s Worldwide Growth and Recognition

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its excitement over the development. ICC Chairman Jay Shah welcomed the venue announcement, stating that featuring cricket at the Olympics is a monumental step toward expanding the sport’s global presence and engaging fresh audiences through the thrilling T20 format.

Cricket Joins Five Other New Sports in LA28 as the Olympics Evolves to Reflect Modern Global Interests and Youth Engagement

Alongside cricket, the International Olympic Committee approved five other sports for inclusion in the LA28 Games: baseball/softball, flag football, squash, and six-a-side lacrosse. These additions reflect the growing emphasis on fast-paced, youth-driven sports that resonate with today’s global audience.

Six Teams Per Gender to Compete for Olympic Cricket Glory in 2028, with 90 Athlete Quotas Allocated Across Men’s and Women’s Tournaments

The LA28 cricket competition will include six national teams in both the men's and women’s divisions. Each squad will consist of 15 players, making a total of 90 athletes across the two events. While the qualification process for these teams is yet to be announced, it is expected to draw participation from top cricketing nations.

T20 Cricket’s Rise as a Global Sensation Positions It Perfectly for the Olympic Stage and a Bright Future in Multi-Sport Events

Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics is the latest chapter in the sport’s growing influence on the global stage. The T20 format has already been featured at the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023, as well as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where only women’s teams participated. Its popularity and dynamic nature make it an ideal fit for the Olympic program.