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Cricket set to return to the Olympics at Fairplex
Fairplex, with its historic grandstand built in 1932 and capable of accommodating 8,000 spectators, is slated for renovation this year, although its potential integration into upcoming stadium developments remains uncertain.
The venue has a notable history of hosting large-scale events, previously welcoming concerts with audiences ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 attendees.
The decision to use Fairplex as a site for cricket during the 2028 Olympic Games was made in collaboration among the International Cricket Council (ICC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the organizing committee for LA 2028. Ultimately, the final decision rested with the LA 2028 organizers and the IOC.
ICC chair Jay Shah expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with the IOC, conveying his expectation that they will work effectively to ensure the success of cricket at the event. He emphasized the unique opportunity for cricket, especially through the dynamic T20 format, to reach new audiences and break traditional boundaries.
The planned use of temporary facilities for matches at Fairplex brings to light the recurring issue regarding the deployment of drop-in pitches, which have faced criticism in past events.
In preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which the United States co-hosted, a striking 34,000-seat stadium was constructed in New York. However, the use of drop-in pitches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park attracted scrutiny over their subpar performance during matches.
Historically, cricket’s Olympic involvement dates back to 1900 in Paris, where Great Britain triumphed in a one-off final against France, winning by 158 runs after the Netherlands and Belgium withdrew from the competition.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the England and Wales Cricket Board has initiated preliminary discussions with Cricket Scotland regarding the formation of a TeamGB squad, while the ICC is expected to outline the qualification criteria for participation in the Games.
Source
www.bbc.com