New Delhi, October 17: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed excitement over confirming cricket’s inclusion in the sports program of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28). This significant development came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) formally confirmed the inclusion of cricket during the 141st IOC session in Mumbai following the recommendation of LA28.
Mithali Raj, former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team and all-time leading female run-scorer, expressed her excitement, saying, “It is fascinating that cricket is now an Olympic sport and will be making a comeback in LA28. Players will compete for Olympic gold medals. “To have the opportunity to play and be a part of the Games will be special. It’s an opportunity for more fans worldwide to enjoy our great game.”
In addition to cricket, the IOC approved five other sports for inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics, including baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. It marks the return of cricket to the Olympics for the first time since the 1900 Paris Olympics when Great Britain defeated France in a one-sided match.
Cricket returns to the world’s biggest sporting stage 😍
Details 👇https://t.co/Fq1JV3VAzZ
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2023
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay expressed his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled that the inclusion of cricket in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC session today. We look forward to the opportunity to showcase our great game at the LA28 Games and That many will participate in the Olympic Games.” “It will be great for both the players and the fans.”
Cricket Australia, a staunch supporter of the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics, also welcomed the news. CA Chief Executive Nick Hockley said, “This is a game-changer for our sport which is already one of the fastest growing in the world. The Olympic Games will undoubtedly enhance cricket’s global reach, bringing a whole new generation of Will be inspired to love.” And play the game.”
After Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympics, Brisbane in the Queensland district of Australia will host the 2032 Olympics. Hopefully, this development will inspire young girls and boys to pursue their Olympic dreams through cricket. Cricket Australia is working on developing champions from regional Queensland venues, and investment in infrastructure will benefit the sport as cricket joins the Olympic family.
IOC Session approves @LA28’s proposal for 5⃣ additional sports:
⚾Baseball/🥎softball, 🏏cricket, 🏈flag football, 🥍lacrosse and ⚫squash have been officially included as additional sports on the programme for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. #LA28 pic.twitter.com/y7CLk2UEYx
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) October 16, 2023
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics after an absence of more than a century is the result of a two-year process in which the ICC developed an attractive proposal that aligns with the Olympic values and LA28’s mission to create a unique experience for athletes, and fans and Is conforming. , partners, and local communities.
This historic moment is expected to have a profound impact on cricket’s global reach, as the Olympic Games typically attract more than 3 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms. This presents a unique opportunity for cricket to engage new audiences and expand the reach of the game around the world, bringing in a new generation of cricket fans.