Cricket is set to make a historic return to the Olympic Games after a hiatus of 128 years, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approving its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The decision, made at an IOC meeting in Mumbai, will see cricket join flag football, baseball-softball, lacrosse, and squash as new additions to the sporting lineup. But will cricket will be in Olympic 2024? Let’s find out
“This marks a new era for cricket on the global stage,” expressed former India captain Sachin Tendulkar on social media. “It’s a golden opportunity to promote inclusivity and showcase emerging talent from cricketing nations. Truly the start of something special!”
Will Cricket be included in Olympics 2024?
Last played at the Olympics in 1900, cricket remains popular in events like the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Its inclusion in the LA Games is seen as a precursor to its likely retention for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, scheduled in cricket-loving Australia.
“This is a chance for players to compete for an Olympic gold medal, an incredibly special moment,” remarked Mithali Raj, former captain of India’s women’s cricket team. “It’s also an opportunity to grow our sport’s fanbase worldwide.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC), working closely with the IOC over the past two years, sees the Olympics as a platform to engage new audiences and expand cricket’s global footprint.
“For players and fans alike, showcasing cricket at the LA28 Games and future Olympics will be monumental,” stated ICC chairman Greg Barclay.
In Australia, where cricket thrives, Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Hockley hailed the decision as a game-changer.
“This move will undoubtedly boost cricket’s global appeal, inspiring a new generation to embrace the sport,” Hockley remarked.
Cricket at the Los Angeles Olympics will feature a six-team tournament for both men and women, played in the dynamic Twenty20 format. Organizers anticipate this format will resonate strongly with younger audiences, ensuring an exciting addition to the Olympic program.
So to answer whether cricket will be in Olympics 2024? – The answer is no
But worry not! You will definitely witness Olympics in 2028, as promised by officials.
The upcoming Olympics promise a unique experience for cricketers, offering them the chance to mingle with athletes from diverse sporting disciplines at the Olympic Village.
“It’s fantastic! What an experience it will be for every team, especially the Indian team, to be part of the Olympic spirit,” exclaimed Sunil Gavaskar, commenting during a cricket match.
As cricket prepares to grace the Olympic stage once more, anticipation builds among players and fans alike for what promises to be a landmark event in the sport’s history.