One of the most exciting sports in the world, cricket is all set to make its comeback after an exile of 128 years in the Olympics.
According to a report from The Guardian, cricket, along with baseball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash has been recommended in the potential sporting list for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. This development has been informed through a media statement released by LA28 on Monday.
Five sports have been proposed by the @LA28 Organising Committee for inclusion at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in five years' time:
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) October 9, 2023
⚾ Baseball-softball
🏏 Cricket
🏈 Flag football
🥍 Lacrosse
⚫ Squash
The final decision will be made in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/kU1303jY0A
The LA28 statement also indicated that its proposal would be reviewed and confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its executive board meeting in Mumbai on October 12-14.
Speaking on this new development, Casey Wasserman, LA28’s Chairperson, said, “LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it. They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the U.S. and the globe. They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience.”
Greg Barclay, ICC Chairman, said, “We are delighted that LA28 have recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics. Whilst this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) advocated a six-team T20 event for both men and women during their presentation to LA28. The top-six rated sides in the ICC’s men’s and women’s T20 rankings on a specific date would compete. The apex body of cricket proposed the T20 format as the best format because both LA28 and the IOC emphasised that the format should include a world championship that will be short in terms of time and have an excellent level of viewers taking a lot of interest.
A sport which is passionately followed by more than half of the population of the world was played last in the 1900 Paris Olympics. Great Britain won the gold medal and defeated the hosts, France. The game was played over two days and consisted of four innings, much like a first-class match.