Cricket enthusiasts have reason to rejoice as the sport is poised to make a triumphant return to the Olympic stage, with reports indicating its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic programme. The decision is set to be officially confirmed at the 141st International Olympic Committee session scheduled to commence in Mumbai on October 15.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed its delight at the recommendation by the LA28 organising committee to include cricket in the Summer Games. Following a collaborative two-year process between the ICC and LA28, cricket’s inclusion has been proposed for approval by the IOC.
This significant development marks cricket’s comeback to the Olympics after a hiatus of over a century, with its last appearance dating back to the 1900 Paris Olympics, where England and France competed for the gold medal.
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay extended his gratitude to LA28 for their support in the sport’s evaluation process. The inclusion of men’s and women’s T20 cricket promises to open up new markets, particularly in the Asian subcontinent, and significantly boost the sport’s global reach. The move is expected to substantially increase the value of the IOC broadcast deal in India, potentially reaching up to £150 million for the 2028 edition.
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