Cricket will not be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which will take place from July 21 to August 6. While the event gathers top athletes from around the world to compete for national pride and Olympic medals, cricket has not been included in the sports lineup for these Games.
Cricket, one of the world’s most popular sports, has had a complex and somewhat inconsistent history when it comes to the game. The sport was first included in the Summer game in 1900, where a single match was played between Great Britain and France, and Great Britain won. This remains the only instance of cricket being part of the Olympic Games, as the sport was dropped from the Olympics after that event.
Cricket has been considered a non-Olympic sport
For many years, cricket has been considered a non-Olympic sport, despite its global following, particularly in countries like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan. Over the years, cricket has gained prominence in international sporting events, especially through formats like the ICC World Cup, T20 World Cup, and regional competitions. However, its absence from the Olympic Games has remained a point of discussion among cricket fans and players alike.
One of the primary reasons for cricket’s exclusion from the Olympics is the sport’s format. Traditional cricket, particularly Test matches, is lengthy and can span over several days, which is impractical for the compact scheduling of the Olympics. However, the rise of the T20 format, which is much shorter and more suited to the time constraints of the Olympic Games, has reignited discussions about the inclusion of cricket in future Olympics.
In recent years, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has pushed for cricket’s return to the Olympics, with T20 cricket seen as a possible entry point. The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is being considered, and cricket fans are hopeful that the sport will return to the Olympic stage, bringing a new level of global exposure and recognition to the game.
As of now, cricket’s status in the Olympics remains uncertain, but the growing interest and potential for T20 cricket could make its return a reality in the near future.
Why Cricket Is Not Included in Olympics 2028?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that cricket does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Concerns about the complexity of organization, high hosting costs, and insufficient infrastructure in many countries are key barriers. The IOC also evaluates each sport’s global appeal and uniqueness before making inclusion decisions.
What Is the Procedure for Adding a New Sport to the Olympics?
For a sport to be included in the Olympic Games, it must be governed by an international federation as outlined in the Olympic Charter. The sport must also have significant global presence, formal recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and meet various other criteria. Without fulfilling these requirements, a sport cannot be added to the Olympic program.
When Did Cricket First Appear at the Olympics?
Cricket’s only appearance in the Olympics was at the 1900 Paris Games, where Great Britain faced France after Belgium and the Netherlands withdrew. The match, played with 12 players per side, did not meet first-class standards. Great Britain won by 158 runs, with France scoring just 104 runs in two innings.
ICC Bidding for Inclusion of Cricket in Olympics
The ICC has allocated $3 million for a bid to include cricket in the 2028 Olympics, a significant step after its absence since 1900. Although not yet on the core sports list, final decisions on additional sports will be made in 2023. Despite stalled discussions since the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to internal issues, the ICC is optimistic about cricket’s inclusion with renewed, unified efforts.