Cricket and four other sports clear final hurdle, get green signal from IOC for 2028 Los Angeles Games

Cricket is set to make a comeback to the Olympic games after an absence of over a century. Baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse and squash were the other sports recommended for inclusion in the major international multi-sport event. The LA28 (Los Angeles 2028) committee's proposal finally cleared the hurdle on Monday (October 16) as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave a green signal. 

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Flag football and squash will make its Olympic debut. All five sports were voted as a single package at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai. However, the decision to include additional events was not unanimous as two IOC members voted against it.  

The last time cricket was part of the quadrennial event was way back in 1985, with just two teams competing - France and Great Britain. It was a Test match, with 12 players fielding on each side. Great Britain emerged victorious, but the match was never given the status of a first-class game. 

England and Australia were the only notable teams in international cricket at that time. With the addition of cricket to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, fans are set to be treated with some enthralling actions. The Indian cricket team will also be a part of the event. Notably, the Men in Blue recently clinched gold in their maiden campaign at the Asian Games. 

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However, according to The Indian Express, the cricket competition will be between six teams. Home advantage gives the USA a direct berth in the tournament, meaning only five more spots are open to other teams from around the world. The IOC said the qualification process will be announced later. 

I’m a fan of T20 cricket: IOC chief Thomas Bach

IOC chief Thomas Bach told the media last week that he is a fan of T20 cricket. “I’m a fan of T20 cricket. What speaks in favour of the sport is that it has been gaining more and more international representation. With the T20, there is a format available that can be played in an Olympic Games. (It) is a format which is of interest for more countries. We see that interest in cricket is not only limited to countries where it is already played, but also to the USA, which has a growing Indian community, so you have a huge potential there,” Bach said. 

Los Angeles will be hosting its third Olympic Games, after having previously hosted in 1984 and 1932. The 2028 edition is expected to kick off with a vibrant opening ceremony on July 14 and run til July 30.