2028 Los Angeles Olympics: Cricket earns Olympic status, Nita Ambani calls it a 'historic day'

Thomas Bach (Pic: AFP)

Cricket on Monday was included in the 2028 Los Angles Olympic programme, thus delivering a massive boost to the game's global ambitions.

Besides cricket, which will be played in the T20 format, the other sports approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during its 141st session, were squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse and flag football.

IOC president Thomas Bach made the announcement of cricket's inclusion along with other sports after the recommendation of the Executive Board was put to vote through raise of hands.

The proposal to include the five sports recommended by LA28 Organising Committee was opposed by only two of the 99 IOC members.

Italy's Olympic champion shooter and sports director at LA28, Niccolo Campriani, referred to Indian superstar Virat Kohli's popularity while making the pitch to the IOC here.

"We are thrilled to welcome the world's second most popular sport with an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide. Some of you would be wondering why in LA. The Commitment to grow cricket in the US is real and it is already happening with the launch of Major League Cricket this year, which exceeded expectations," he said.

"We also have the T20 World Cup in US and West Indies next year. In addition to that, we recognise the strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth and cricket is offering a unique platform to do so. "

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The massive following of cricket in India, the world's most populous nation, and the BCCI supporting the ICC in its Olympic bid also went a long way in securing a spot in the LA28 programme.

It was only in 2021 that the BCCI changed its stance to back the game's inclusion in the Summer Games after years of opposition fearing a threat to its autonomy.

"The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is set to open new frontiers for the sport, providing unparalleled exposure in untapped global markets," said BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

"Moreover, we anticipate that this decision will yield significant financial dividends and have a profound positive impact on our sport's eco-system.

"The addition of cricket in the Olympics, for the first time since 1900, concludes a two-year process, in which the ICC worked extensively to develop an exciting proposal that supports the Olympic values and LA28's mission to create an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and the local community," said the ICC in a statement.

IOC member Nita Ambani said that the inclusion of cricket in the sports program for the LA Olympics was a welcome addition that had the potential to attract a lot of new interest and opportunities for the Olympic movement across newer geographies in the world.

"As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and an ardent cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028!" she said.

(With inputs from agencies)