Cricket is set to make its highly anticipated return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, with matches scheduled to begin on July 12 and medal contests slated for July 20 and 29.
Cricket’s Olympic Comeback
The Fairgrounds Stadium in Pomena, located about 50 kilometers from Los Angeles, will be the epicenter for cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Games. This marks a significant moment for the sport, making its first Olympic appearance since 1900.
The competition will feature the fast-paced T20 format. A total of six men’s and six women’s teams will participate, bringing 180 athletes to the quadrennial event.
A Look at the Schedule
Organizers have released a detailed schedule, indicating that most matchdays will feature double-headers to maximize viewership and efficiency. While the action kicks off on July 12, there are no matches planned for July 14 and July 21.
The medal matches are strategically placed, with the first on July 20 and the final one on July 29, building excitement as the tournament progresses towards its conclusion.
History Revisited: Cricket at the Olympics
The only previous instance of cricket at the Olympics was way back in 1900, during the Paris Games. That unique event saw just two teams compete: Great Britain and France.
In a two-day match, Great Britain emerged victorious, securing the gold medal. The upcoming LA28 Games will thus write a brand new chapter for cricket in Olympic history, 128 years later.
Teams and Squads
Each of the 12 competing teams — six men’s and six women’s — will be able to name a 15-member squad for the tournament. This allocation accounts for a total of 90 athlete quotas in both the men’s and women’s sections.
This structure ensures robust competition and allows teams to bring a full complement of players to Los Angeles.
Cricket’s Growing Global Footprint
The decision to include cricket in the LA28 Games reflects the sport’s burgeoning global popularity. A testament to this growth was the recent 2024 T20 World Cup, which saw several matches hosted across three venues in the United States: Grand Prairie, Lauderhill, and New York.
Cricket is one of five new sports approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2028 LA Games. The other additions include baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash, showcasing a push for diverse and engaging sports offerings.
LA28’s Vision and Legacy
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the broader vision for the Games, emphasizing community engagement and lasting impact. “When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighborhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy,” she stated.
Mayor Bass also pointed to the success of local initiatives, noting over one million enrollments in the PlayLA program. She thanked LA28 and the IOC for making such programs possible and for their commitment to delivering a truly great Olympic experience.
- Cricket returns to the Olympics after 128 years.
- Matches begin July 12, with medal games on July 20 and 29.
- Six men’s and six women’s teams will compete in the T20 format.
As the countdown to LA28 continues, the inclusion of cricket is set to bring a new level of excitement and a vast global fanbase to the Olympic stage.
