The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking a historic return for the sport after more than a century.
Cricket was part of the Olympics in 1900 when England played France. The IOC also added baseball/softball, flag football, squash, and lacrosse to the 2028 Games.
The inclusion of cricket aims to tap into the South Asian market, attracting fans from countries like India and Pakistan. The move is seen as a significant boost for the sport, which has a global following and is one of the fastest-growing sports.
The decision was met with overwhelming support, with only two delegates voting against it. The exact format and the number of teams for cricket in the 2028 Olympics are yet to be determined.
Additionally, the status of boxing at the 2028 Games remains uncertain due to a dispute over the governance of the sport.
READ MORE: Jealousy Factor: Former Captain Shoaib Malik criticizes current skipper Babar Azam, suggests leadership change
Explaining the push for cricket´s inclusion, Los Angeles 2028 chairman Casey Wasserman, said: “It´s a sport that is incredibly popular around the world, it´s growing in the United States. The diaspora in the US is growing and engaged and exciting.
“We think the opportunity to bring a sport that has 2.5 billion rabid fans to what we think is the greatest sports city in the world, it´s a really powerful combination.”
