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Cricket’s Exciting Return to the Olympics in 2028
Cricket is set to make a notable comeback at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the sport will feature a six-team T20 tournament for both men and women. This development is seen as a significant step in promoting cricket on a global scale.
The tournament will allow participating teams to include up to 15 players in their squads, with the IOC allocating a total of 90 athlete spots per gender for this event. While the details regarding the qualification process for the teams remain undisclosed, there is a strong inclination among the organizers to leverage cricket’s popularity, particularly in India, to boost engagement with the Olympic movement.
India, who currently hold the title of T20 World Cup champions, have proven to be a major draw for international cricket events, including the co-hosted 2024 World Cup in the United States. The Indian cricket market presents an attractive opportunity for both Olympic volume and potential commercial sponsorships.
Prior to her election as IOC president, Kirsty Coventry engaged in discussions with Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council, during the recent Champions Trophy held in Dubai, where the inclusion of cricket in LA 2028 was a key topic of conversation.
It’s worth noting that cricket’s last Olympic participation dates back to 1900 when Great Britain triumphed over France by 158 runs in a solitary final, notably after the Netherlands and Belgium withdrew from the competition. The historical context adds a rich layer to cricket’s reintroduction to the Olympic stage after over a century.
Furthermore, there are emerging conversations between the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Scotland regarding the potential formation of a TeamGB cricket squad, reflecting the growing collaboration among the home nations in the sport.
The return of cricket to the Olympics is anticipated with great enthusiasm, and it is expected to inspire a new generation of players and fans, fostering a deeper global connection to the sport.
Source
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