IOC's Historic Decision Approves Inclusion of Twenty 20 Cricket in Olympic Lineup
In a historic decision, the executive committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given the green light for cricket's inclusion in the programme for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. This announcement came after a meeting of the IOC's executive board in Mumbai, where IOC President Thomas Bach disclosed that the Los Angeles organizers' bid for Twenty 20 cricket, the sport's shortest internationally recognized format, had been accepted.
Cricket will join the ranks of baseball/softball, flag football (a non-contact form of American football), squash, and lacrosse as one of five new sports. However, it's important to note that the final inclusion of these new sports in the 2028 Games will be determined by a vote of the IOC membership, scheduled for Monday.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed excitement over the potential addition of cricket, stating, "For the IOC, it is a great opportunity to engage with new athlete and fan communities. We see the growing popularity of T20 cricket, and we look forward to welcoming the world's best players to the US in 2028."
The proposal put forward by the Los Angeles Chiefs includes a six-team event in both men's and women's T20 cricket, with the United States fielding teams as the host nation. However, specifics regarding the number of teams and the qualification process will be decided upon cricket's formal ratification on Monday.
The last time cricket featured in the Olympics was in 1900, when a British team emerged victorious against a French squad. Since then, cricket has been making concerted efforts, with the support of the Olympic movement, to make a return to the Games for over a decade.
The decision to add cricket to the Olympic calendar is seen as a strategic and financial one. The sport stands to gain access to the lucrative South Asian market, particularly in cricket-crazed countries like India and Pakistan.
T20 cricket, known for its fast-paced and exciting format, has gained immense popularity in recent years. Leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), featuring international cricket stars, have made India a financial powerhouse in the cricketing world, thanks to a massive fan base and lucrative media deals. Cricket's inclusion in the Olympics is expected to further boost its global appeal.
In a related development, the IOC has withdrawn its recognition of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) due to governance disputes, casting uncertainty on the sport's participation in the 2028 Games. Boxing has been a part of every Olympic Games since 1920 and is set to feature again in the Paris Olympics next year. IOC President Thomas Bach clarified, "We want boxing on the show; we have no problem with boxing or boxers—we have a problem with the governing body." The fate of boxing at the 2028 Olympics remains uncertain pending further developments.
