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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a momentous decision to include cricket in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This announcement was made during the IOC session held in Mumbai on Monday. Cricket enthusiasts and fans worldwide are thrilled with this development, which marks a significant milestone for the sport.
The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics is part of a broader strategy to introduce new sports that appeal to a wider and younger audience. In addition to cricket, the IOC has also approved baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash as part of the lineup for the Los Angeles Games.
T20 format wins hearts
Niccolo Campriani, the director of LA LOCOG, emphasized that cricket’s addition to the Olympic program was an easy decision. The T20 format, proposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the LA28 Olympics, played a pivotal role in swaying the IOC’s decision. Campriani praised T20 cricket for its fast-paced action, making it highly appealing to a younger crowd.
A global sport with iconic figures
Cricket’s global reach and the immense popularity of players like India’s Virat Kohli were key factors that influenced the IOC’s decision. Kohli, one of cricket’s biggest stars, has a massive fan following, not only in India but also in countries where cricket is played. This factor played a crucial role in showcasing cricket as a sport with a strong global presence.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Jay Shah, took to social media to share the historic news:
“Historic News! Cricket is all set to make a grand return to the Summer Olympics in 2028, marking a monumental moment for the sport, 128 years after its previous appearance. This reinstatement not only celebrates the rich heritage of cricket but also opens up new horizons for the game on the global stage,” wrote Shah on X (Formerly Twitter).
Historic News! 🌟 Cricket is all set to make a grand return to the Summer Olympics in 2028, marking a monumental moment for the sport, 128 years after its previous appearance. This reinstatement not only celebrates the rich heritage of cricket but also opens up new horizons for… pic.twitter.com/ZvxSayjysb
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 16, 2023
The decision to include cricket in the 2028 Olympics is expected to generate immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts and players alike. It also presents an opportunity for cricket to shine on the global stage and captivate new audiences, showcasing its unique charm and competitiveness.
