New Delhi: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given its “approval” to include T20 cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The decision was made during the IOC’s executive board meeting in Mumbai on Friday. The next step involves a vote during the IOC’s ‘Session’ scheduled from October 14 to 16 in Mumbai.
The recommendation was made by the LA28 local organising committee for the “potential inclusion” of five new sports – cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash – for the Los Angeles Games.
IOC president Thomas Bach during a media briefing on Friday mentioned that all five sports were “in line” with the overall ethos of LA28.
“These proposals have been accepted as a package by the IOC executive board taking into consideration that these proposals and these sports are fully in line with the sports culture of our host in ’28, with the American sports culture,” Bach said. “All these proposals will now go to the IOC Session here in Mumbai for a vote.
“These sports will showcase iconic American sports to the world while bringing at the same time international sports to the United States. The inclusion will, on the other hand, allow the Olympics to engage with new athletes and fan communities in the US and globally.”
In its presentation to LA28, the ICC proposed a six-team T20 event for both men and women. The participating teams would be the top six in the ICC’s men’s and women’s T20 rankings on a specified date. The ICC suggested the T20 format, considering LA28 and the IOC’s emphasis on a world championship, a compact duration, and substantial spectator interest.
If cricket is included in the LA Olympics, its continuation in future editions, including Brisbane 2032, will be subject to further IOC review. India is optimistic about bidding to host the 2036 Olympics. Thomas Bach acknowledged that cricket’s popularity would not only enhance the Olympics but also contribute to the sport’s global popularity, especially in the Global South.