The city of Pomona in Southern California is set to host the cricket competitions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to an announcement made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai. This is exciting news, as cricket will be included in the Olympics for the first time in 128 years. The matches will take place at the Fairgrounds in Pomona and will include both men’s and women’s teams, each consisting of six squads.
Jay Shah, the chairman of the ICC, was enthusiastic about this announcement, explaining that it’s a big milestone in the journey for cricket’s return to the Olympic stage. He noted how cricket, despite being a widely loved sport, has yet to make its mark in the Olympics since its single appearance back in 1900 in Paris.
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This opportunity for cricket at the LA28 Games comes after the International Olympic Committee’s session in Mumbai in October 2023, where they decided to feature cricket among five new sports. Along with cricket, fans can also look forward to baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash making their debut at the Olympics.
Cricket’s T20 format is well-known for being fast-paced and exciting, making it a perfect fit for the Olympic audience. The ICC sees this T20 format as a key driver for popularizing the sport further. It’s worth mentioning that T20 has already made appearances in other major sporting events, like the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023, where both men’s and women’s competitions were part of the schedule. The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 also included a women’s T20 tournament, showing how the format has gained traction and visibility on the global stage.
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Overall, this decision is not just about cricket; it’s about reaching new audiences and expanding the sport’s appeal in a major way. By featuring T20 cricket, the Olympics will attract not only die-hard fans but also newcomers who might just find a new favorite sport during these exciting Games.
