The International Cricket Council (ICC) celebrates the official inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28).
The decision was formally ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, following a recommendation from LA28.
This historic move marks cricket's return to the Olympics for the first time since 1900, culminating a two-year effort by the ICC to craft an engaging proposal aligned with Olympic values and LA28's mission of delivering an unmatched experience for athletes, fans, partners, and the local community.
With an estimated audience of over 3 billion viewers on TV and digital platforms, the Olympic Games provide a unique platform for cricket to captivate new audiences and expand its global reach, ushering in a fresh era of cricket enthusiasts.
"We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today,” ICC Chairman Greg Barclay expressed his enthusiasm. “To have the opportunity to showcase our great sport at the LA28 Games and hopefully many Olympic Games to come will be great for players and fans alike."
Mithali Raj, former India captain and the highest female run-scorer of all time, echoed the sentiment.
"It is so exciting that cricket is now an Olympic sport and will make its return at LA28,” she said. “Players will get the chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal, and be part of the games which will be so special. It’s also a chance for more fans around the world to enjoy our fantastic sport.”