Cricket, after a 128-year absence, set to make its return to the Olympics in 2028
Posted : 17 October 2023
Cricket is set to make a historic return to the Olympics in 2028, marking its comeback to the Games since its last appearance in 1900. The decision to include cricket, along with flag football, squash, lacrosse, and baseball/softball, was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) members during a session in Mumbai. Only two delegates voted against these new sports.
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are expected to feature both a men's and women's T20 cricket tournament, although details about the number of teams and qualification methods are yet to be finalized.
IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that the selection of these sports aligns with American sports culture and will showcase iconic American and international sports to the world. The addition of these sports will make the Los Angeles Games unique. Notably, Niccolo Campriani, the sports director of Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028, expressed excitement at welcoming cricket, calling it "the ultimate win-win-win."
The England and Wales Cricket Board's CEO, Richard Gould, views the Olympics in the U.S. as a great opportunity to promote both men's and women's cricket to a global audience. Cricket's previous appearance in the Olympics was in 1900 when Great Britain won the gold in a one-off final.
Aside from cricket, other sports accepted for the 2028 Olympics include flag football, which is a non-contact version of American football played in a smaller format. Squash, a dynamic sport, will also make its debut, while lacrosse returns after more than a century as a medal sport, featuring the faster-paced discipline of Sixes. Baseball and softball, previously part of the Olympics, will also be included, offering athletes a chance to perform on the global stage in front of a massive audience during the Los Angeles Games.
ADD A COMMENT :
Hot Topics
User name is required Email Id is required Comment is required
ADD A COMMENT :