In a landmark decision that will reshape the global landscape of cricket, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed the sport's return to the Olympic Games after more than a century. Cricket is set to feature at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, marking its first appearance since the 1900 Paris Games. The inclusion is a significant milestone for the sport, aligning with its ongoing global expansion and increasing popularity across continents.

Six Nations to Battle for Olympic Gold in Men’s and Women’s T20 Cricket at LA 2028

The cricket tournament at LA28 will feature six national teams in both the men’s and women’s categories, competing in the fast-paced and globally popular T20 format. This streamlined version of cricket was selected to align with the fast-moving nature of Olympic scheduling and to maximize viewer engagement worldwide.

Each Cricket Team to Include 15 Players With a 90-Athlete Quota Per Gender

The IOC has allocated a quota of 90 athletes for each gender, which will allow every participating country to field a complete squad of 15 players. This allocation ensures full team representation while adhering to the overall athlete cap for the Games. It also highlights the IOC’s intent to balance inclusivity and operational feasibility.

Olympic Cricket Venues for Los Angeles 2028 Yet to Be Decided

While the cricket competition is confirmed, the specific venues in Los Angeles where matches will take place are still under discussion. Final decisions regarding the venue and match schedule are expected to be made as the Games approach, offering enough time for planning and infrastructure readiness.

Cricket’s Olympic Inclusion Reflects Its Rising Popularity Across the Globe

The return of cricket to the Olympics is a testament to its booming global appeal, especially in Asia, Australia, the UK, and now even parts of North America. Recent international multi-sport events have already showcased cricket’s potential. For instance, T20 cricket was included in the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023, further solidifying its place on the world sporting stage.

Past Events Have Paved the Way: Asian Games and Commonwealth Games Helped Cricket Gain Olympic Attention

Cricket's re-entry into the Olympics didn’t happen overnight. Its consistent presence in the Asian Games, where 14 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams participated in the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, played a pivotal role. Similarly, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which featured eight women’s teams, showed the sport’s ability to thrive in a multi-sport environment and draw diverse audiences.

Cricket Joins a Fresh Lineup of Sports Set to Debut or Return in LA 2028

Alongside cricket, five other sports will make their way into the LA 2028 program: baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. This refreshed lineup is expected to enhance the excitement of the Olympic Games and attract new generations of fans.