Cricket will feature as one of six new sports at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, organisers announced Monday.
A vote of the International Olympic Committee’s session in Mumbai approved cricket, together with baseball/softball, flag football, squash and lacrosse.
The IOC’s executive board last week accepted a proposal by LA organisers for Twenty20 cricket, the sport’s shortest format, to be included along with the four other new events.
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But the final choice still had to be voted on Monday at the IOC session in Mumbai, one of the global centres for cricket, as India hosts the men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup.
Los Angeles chiefs have proposed a six-team event, in both men’s and women’s T20 cricket.
The United States is set to field sides as the host nation, but no firm decision has been made on the number of teams, or how they will qualify.
Cricket last featured at the 1900 Paris Olympics, when a team from Britain beat a side representing France.
“We are thrilled that the International Olympic Committee has approved the introduction of T20 cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.
“This is a game-changer for our sport that is already among the fastest growing in the world. The Olympic Games will undoubtedly increase the global reach of cricket, inspiring a whole new generation to love and play the game.
“The opportunity to win an Olympic medal also provides a new and exciting opportunity for our champion women’s and men’s teams.
“We look forward to working with the Australian Olympic Committee in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Games and are hopeful this will be the start of a long-standing relationship between cricket and the Olympics, including for Brisbane 2032.”
Adding cricket to the Olympic programme is an obvious move, financially speaking.
It would tap into the lucrative South Asian market, attracting fans in countries such as India and Pakistan.
The Indian Premier League, featuring cricket’s global stars, has helped India become the unquestioned economic driving force of the sport, thanks to legions of fans and lucrative broadcasting deals in a nation where the game is almost a religion.
Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman said the six sports will bring even greater diversity to the Olympic programme.
“There’s a wonderful opportunity here in Australia and across the globe for all these sports to capture new audiences and participants. I know they are all very excited about the prospect. The beauty of the Olympic sports programme is that there is something for everyone,” Chesterman said.
“Of course, each sport will now need to navigate a qualifying process in order for their athletes to take their place in the Australian Olympic Team heading to Los Angeles. That will vary from sport to sport, but we now have certainty in terms of the programme and what lies ahead for the athletes to realise their Olympic dreams.
“With these additions for LA2028, we see the gender balance for the Olympic programme in action.
“The addition of cricket to the programme is particularly exciting for Australian fans and players alike, given Australia’s long-standing passion for the sport.
“Baseball and softball return after last appearing at Tokyo 2020 where our softball players, with their proud Olympic history, represented Australia with pride. Our baseball Team, which narrowly missed qualification for Tokyo, will now have that opportunity to earn their spot in Los Angeles.
“Lacrosse has been played in Australia since the 19th century and has a dedicated following and we have a fine record of success internationally.
“Squash has long been part our sports scene, producing some of our sporting legends and has been part of our Commonwealth Games team on seven occasions. Now is its Olympic moment.
“And Flag Football, is a new and growing sport as a non-tackle form of American Football. I think Australians will be keen to learn more as the sport grows its local roots here.”
