Is Cricket Really Coming to the Olympics in 2028? Everything You Need to Know
Cricket is officially set to return to the Olympic Games in 2028 after more than a century. Discover the latest updates on T20 format, team qualification, and what this means for cricket fans worldwide.
kowshik Reddy
Cricket has made an official return to the Olympic Games after more than a century. In the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, cricket will appear in the event for the first time since 1900. Cricket's inclusion in the Olympic Games was approved by the IOC in October 2023, demonstrating how popular and potential the sport is across the globe.
Format & Participation2
T20 will go with this match: the fastest and most exciting version of the game. Both men's and women's tournaments will take place in six teams each.
Team size: Number of players per Squad - 15. The host nation, the USA, is expected to get an automatic spot
Only five other nations will be able to qualify. This limited number has raised questions in the cricketing world about the qualification process and selection criteria
Reactions from the Cricket World
The announcement has created a wave of excitement, with Virat Kohli, an Indian cricket icon, calling it a "monumental moment for the sport." While he retired from T20 internationals, he expressed hope that future Indian athletes would shine at the Olympics.
What It Means for India and Other Cricket Giants
With only five open slots and teams like India, Australia, and England vying for participation, competition will be fierce. Australia’s women’s team, already a T20 powerhouse, is eyeing this as a golden opportunity to cement their legacy.
Global Impact & Growth of the Game
The IOC’s decision is driven by the potential to tap into cricket’s 2.5 billion global fan base, particularly in Asia. Smaller nations like Nepal, Namibia, and the Netherlands are also seeing this as a chance to put themselves on the cricketing map.
As we near LA 2028, the ICC and IOC will reveal more details about: qualification process and the match venues in the U.S.
How may this Olympic opportunity align with future ICC events
Cricket’s Olympic return is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic move that could redefine the sport’s global reach and legacy.
