Cricket to make summer Olympics return after 128 years for LA Games
Written by I Dig SportsCricket is set to return to the summer Olympics for the LA Games in 2028, 128 years after the sport made its only appearance. The development was confirmed by LA28 on Monday in a media release where it stated that cricket - along with baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse and squash - had been recommended for "potential inclusion" as new sports to the LA Olympics.
The LA28 statement also confirmed that its recommendation would be "reviewed" and ratified this weekend by the IOC at its executive board meeting in Mumbai, on October 14 and 15.
Casey Wasserman, LA28's chairperson, said that all the five sports recommended were "relevant, innovative and community-based" which could enhance the Olympics movement.
"LA28's proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it. They're relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the U.S. and the globe," Wasserman said. "They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games' presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28's mission to deliver an unparalleled experience."
ICC chairman Greg Barclay was "delighted" but guarded in his reaction. "We are delighted that LA28 have recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics," Barclay said in a media release. "Whilst this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century."
It could not be confirmed if the ICC had finalised a tournament structure, which until recently was still under discussions.