Cricket Returns to the Olympics: T20 Format Confirmed for LA 2028
After a staggering gap of 128 years, cricket is officially set to make a historic comeback at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on April 10, 2025, that cricket will be one of the five new sports featured in the mega sporting event. This announcement has been received with excitement and anticipation by fans, players, and sports enthusiasts worldwide, marking a monumental milestone for the gentleman’s game.
The return of cricket to the Olympics reflects the sport’s growing global popularity and the influence of leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Cricket will be played in the fast-paced and viewer-friendly T20 International (T20I) format. Both men’s and women’s competitions will be featured, with six teams participating in each category, bringing a total of 90 athletes per gender into Olympic contention. Each team will consist of a 15-member squad, offering ample opportunity for talent from various cricketing nations to shine on the global stage.
History Repeats Itself: Cricket at the 1900 Olympics
Cricket’s only prior appearance at the Olympics was in 1900, during the Paris Summer Games. The match, a two-day affair, saw only two teams participating: Great Britain and France. However, the French side was largely composed of English expatriates, making it more of a symbolic contest than a fiercely competitive one. Played with 12 players on each side and spanning two innings, the match concluded with Great Britain defeating France by a comfortable 158 runs to claim the gold.
Interestingly, if France had managed to bat for just five more minutes, the match would have ended in a draw. Unfortunately, the 1904 Olympics did not include cricket due to a lack of participation, and since then, the sport was absent from the Olympic Games—until now.
Cricket’s Olympic Revival: The Journey to 2028
The decision to include cricket in the 2028 Olympics didn’t happen overnight. It is the result of sustained lobbying and increasing global enthusiasm for the sport, especially with the expansion of T20 leagues and the growth of women’s cricket. The T20 format, with its brevity and high-octane entertainment, is tailor-made for the Olympic stage and international viewership.
The IOC has allotted 90 athlete quotas per gender, paving the way for 180 cricketers in total to participate in the Games. This inclusion not only enhances cricket’s profile globally but also introduces it to new markets, potentially encouraging non-traditional cricket nations to invest in the sport.
The other sports joining cricket in the 2028 Olympic lineup are baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. The exact venues and detailed schedule for the cricket matches are yet to be announced but are expected to be disclosed closer to the commencement of the Games.
A New Era: Equal Opportunity for Men and Women
One of the most notable aspects of cricket’s Olympic comeback is the emphasis on gender equality. The format and squad composition are identical for both men’s and women’s competitions—six teams each, 15 players per squad. This decision promotes fairness and reflects the growing recognition of women’s cricket as an equally engaging and competitive sport.
In recent years, women’s cricket has seen exponential growth, with tournaments like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India and ICC events garnering massive viewership and support. The inclusion in the Olympics will serve as a boost to the sport’s development at grassroots levels, particularly in countries where women’s cricket is still emerging.
Cricket Icons React to Olympic Inclusion
The cricketing fraternity has expressed immense joy and pride in response to this announcement. Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli shared his excitement, stating, “I think it’s a great thing. And to be the Olympic champions will be an absolutely magnificent feeling. First of its kind and I’m sure we’ll be somewhere close to that medal. It’s a great opportunity for some of our guys.”
Kohli also acknowledged the role played by the Indian Premier League in propelling cricket onto the Olympic radar. “I think that IPL has definitely played a massive role in that as well. It has brought cricket to a stage where it is part of the Olympics,” he said. His remarks echo the sentiments of many who believe that the IPL’s massive viewership and international appeal have positioned cricket as a sport worthy of Olympic inclusion.
Implications for Global Cricket
The reintroduction of cricket at the Olympics could potentially transform the sport’s international landscape. With more nations eyeing qualification, cricket may see increased investment from countries outside the traditional powerhouses like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan. Olympic participation often leads to government funding and development at grassroots levels, which can elevate the sport’s reach in places like the USA, Germany, and even China.
Furthermore, the Olympic spotlight could inspire a new generation of young athletes to pursue cricket professionally. For associate nations, it opens the door to gaining recognition and competing against top-tier teams on an equal footing.
Another ripple effect could be the acceleration of cricket’s inclusion in educational institutions and community programs, particularly in countries where sports infrastructure is aligned with Olympic disciplines. This development aligns with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) long-term vision of expanding cricket’s footprint worldwide.
A Defining Moment for Cricket’s Future
The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is more than just a historic comeback—it is a defining moment that may shape the future of the sport for decades to come. From its humble and somewhat forgotten outing in 1900 to a prime-time slot at one of the biggest global sporting events, cricket’s journey has come full circle.
As fans await further details about the teams, venues, and fixtures, the excitement is already palpable. The road to LA 2028 promises to be thrilling, not just for cricket enthusiasts but for sports fans worldwide. Whether it’s a sixer soaring over the boundary or a bowler dismantling stumps, cricket at the Olympics is bound to deliver moments of magic.
