ICC Chairman Greg Barclay expressed his hope that cricket would have a permanent place in the Olympics. Cricket will be part of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 after its inclusion was formally ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Barclay sees this as an opportunity to showcase cricket on the world’s biggest sporting stage and hopes that the sport will be permanently included in the Olympics going forward.
The ICC has led the proposal and two-year process for cricket’s addition to the Olympic Games program, and LA28 also recommended its inclusion to the IOC last week.
The addition of cricket to the Olympic Games was officially ratified by the IOC during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai.
The Olympic Games have an estimated audience of over three billion viewers across TV and digital platforms, providing cricket with a unique opportunity to engage new audiences.
This inclusion will increase the popularity of cricket worldwide and attract a new generation of cricket enthusiasts and fans.
Former India captain Mithali Raj, the all-time leading female run scorer, expressed her excitement about cricket becoming an Olympic sport again. She believes it will be a special experience for players to compete for an Olympic gold medal and a chance for more fans around the world to enjoy the sport.
Cricket previously featured in the Olympic Games in 1900, and now, players can aspire to win a gold medal at the XXXIV Olympiad.
