International Olympics Committee officially approves inclusion of cricket in Los Angeles Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), on Monday (October 16) officially announced its approval of the proposal to include cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games, to be held in Los Angeles. The proposal was accepted during a voting session conducted at the 141st IOC meet at the state-of-the-art Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Notably, two IOC members opposed the proposal of cricket and one abstained from voting.

Five new games were proposed to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. However, apart from cricket, Baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash will be included in LA28.

Thomas Bach, IOC President, stated that cricket has gained much popularity, especially in the Twenty 20 format. He also mentioned the ICC Cricket World Cup, stating the tournament is already a success.

“We see growing popularity of cricket, particularly the T20 format. The World Cup (50 overs) is a huge success already,” Bach said after the Executive Board meeting.

Inclusion of cricket will create deeper engagement for Olympic Movement: Nita Ambani

Meanwhile, IOC Member Nita Ambani expressed his happiness after the IOC members voted to include a globally loved sport like cricket. She went on to say that the inclusion of cricket will form in-depth engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographical areas and also boost the international popularity of the sport.

"I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028! Cricket is one of the most loved sports globally, and the second most watched. For 1.4 billion Indians, cricket is not just a sport, it's a religion! So I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the 141st IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics will create deeper engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographies. And at the same time, provides a boost to cricket’s growing international popularity," Nita stated in her video message.