After over a century-long absence, cricket is set to make a historic return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games. The sport last featured in the Olympics in 1900, and now, 128 years later, it is ready to captivate a global audience once more — this time with six men’s and six women’s teams competing in the fast-paced T20 format.
The return of cricket to the Olympic fold isn’t just a celebration of its legacy but also a strategic push by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to globalize the sport, with the United States emerging as a central player in cricket’s expansion story.
Cricket at LA 2028: Key Details
Number of Teams: 6 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams
Total Players: 180 (90 men, 90 women)
Format: T20 International (T20I)
Venue: Fairgrounds Stadium, Pomena (approx. 50 km from Los Angeles)
Start Date: July 12, 2028
Medal Matches: July 20 (Women’s Final) and July 29 (Men’s Final)
Rest Days: No matches scheduled on July 14 and 21
Squad Size: Up to 15 players per team
India Eyes Olympic Gold in Cricket
For India, where cricket is not just a sport but a national passion, the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is a monumental opportunity. An Olympic medal is seen as the ultimate sporting honor, and India will be eager to field full-strength squads — both men’s and women’s — to chase gold on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The prospect of an Olympic medal in cricket is also likely to stir public imagination, add weight to grassroots investment in women’s cricket, and potentially place cricket alongside India’s traditional medal-winning disciplines like wrestling, shooting, and badminton.
A Purpose-Built Stage for a Global Game
The cricket matches will take place at a temporary venue built specifically for the event — the Fairgrounds Stadium in Pomena, chosen for its accessibility and infrastructure potential. Though located nearly 50 km from Los Angeles, the stadium will form a central part of the Olympic cricket narrative.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted the importance of including diverse communities and venues:
“When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighbourhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy.”
Strategic Momentum for Cricket in the U.S.
The decision to stage Olympic cricket in the U.S. comes on the heels of successful cricketing milestones:
T20 World Cup 2024 was partially hosted in the U.S., including a historic India vs. Pakistan match in New York.
The country has recently hosted global events like the FIFA Club World Cup, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 also scheduled to take place there.
Cricket’s inclusion is part of a broader strategic push by the ICC and LA28 organizers to grow the game in emerging markets.
The Olympics present a golden platform to introduce the sport to new audiences in North America and beyond.
What the Format Looks Like?
The T20 format will keep matches short, thrilling, and television-friendly — ideal for new spectators and seasoned fans alike. The schedule will likely involve double-headers to maximize engagement and keep the tournament brisk, given the limited window.
Though the detailed team list and fixtures are yet to be announced, each participating nation will be allowed to name a 15-member squad for both men’s and women’s competitions, with 90 players per gender.
Final Thoughts
The return of cricket to the Olympic Games in 2028 is more than a nostalgic revival — it’s a pivotal moment in the sport’s future. With a global spotlight, strategic expansion into the American market, and the possibility of Olympic medals on the line, LA 2028 could reshape the cricketing landscape for decades to come.
For Indian cricket fans, the dream is simple: add Olympic gold to the list of historic milestones. For the sport, it’s a chance to plant its flag firmly on the global stage.
