After 128 Years, Cricket Set to Return in Olympics for 2028 Los Angeles Games
Greg Barclay, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), said on Monday regarding the sport’s inclusion in the 2023 Los Angeles event. He extended gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their support in making this happen.
Cricket has only appeared once at the Olympics, at the Paris Games in 1900 when Great Britain beat France by 158 runs in a one-off final.
Cricket Becomes Part of LA28 Olympics
In addition, he highlighted that the confirmation of cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics during the ICC Cricket World Cup adds an extra layer of joy to the occasion.
“We are delighted by the confirmation of cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games, as expressed by ICC Chairman Greg Barclay in a statement released by the ICC.
Having the chance to present our beloved sport at the LA28 Games, with the hope of participating in many more Olympic Games in the future, is a thrilling prospect for both players and fans.
I would like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and for their trust in our organization’s ability to deliver a world-class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world.”
Exciting Return to the Olympics
In Mumbai, the confirmation of our selection by the IOC during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is a delightful cherry on top. The journey has only just begun, and we’re eagerly anticipating where this incredible path will lead, Barclay concluded.
Cricket is set to make its return to the Olympic Games after more than a century, as its inclusion at Los Angeles 2028 has now received formal approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The global sport will feature in the Olympic Games for the first time since 1900, as the IOC has given its endorsement for its participation at LA28.
The ICC has played a pivotal role in the proposal and an extensive two-year process to include cricket in the Olympic Games program, with LA28 recently recommending its inclusion to the IOC.
The formal approval of cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games was granted by the IOC during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai on Monday.
A Global Reach and Excitement for Fans and Players
The Olympic Games, with their estimated viewership exceeding three billion across TV and digital platforms, offer a unique opportunity for cricket to connect with fresh audiences. This development will further expand the sport’s global reach, ushering in a new era of cricket enthusiasts and fans.
Mithali Raj, former India captain and the highest all-time female run scorer, expressed her excitement about cricket’s newfound status as an Olympic sport, highlighting its eagerly awaited return at LA28, as reported by the ICC.
“Players will have the opportunity to vie for an Olympic gold medal and become an integral part of these exceptional games,” noted Mithali.
She also pointed out that this presents a valuable opportunity for cricket to reach a broader global audience, offering fans from all corners of the world the chance to savor our incredible sport.
While cricket had been a part of the Olympic Games only once before, in 1900, the athletes of the game can now aspire to achieve the pinnacle of success by competing for a gold medal at the XXXIV Olympiad.
Squash and Flag Football Set for Olympic Debuts
Squash and flag football, the latter a non-contact format of American football played by teams of five, are set for their Olympic debuts in 2028.
The World Squash Federation has made several failed attempts to have the sport included, with other sports including skateboarding, surfing, and breakdancing previously preferred.
Baseball has featured in several previous Games, most recently in 2020, with softball, the women’s counterpart, appearing at five editions.
Lacrosse has also been contested at five previous Games, with medals awarded in 1904 and 1908. In 1928, 1932 and 1948, it was held as a demonstration sport.
Lacrosse sixes, which features four, eight-minute quarters and is a variant of the established 10-a-side format, will take place in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Greg Barclay, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council, expressed his thanks for including cricket in the LA28 Olympics. This adds joy during the ICC Cricket World Cup. The return of cricket to the Olympics after a long time promises excitement for fans and players and a chance to reach a broader audience. Mithali Raj highlighted the opportunity to win Olympic gold and expand the sport to more people. This is a historic moment for cricket in the XXXIV Olympiad.
Originally published at https://businessdor.com on October 16, 2023.