ICC reveals LA28 Olympic match details and targets inclusion in Brisbane 2032 Olympics
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced significant details regarding cricket’s return to the Olympics, specifically for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The event will consist of 28 matches featuring both men’s and women’s competitions.
Match Structure and Teams
Each competition will showcase six teams. The teams will include:
- The top-ranked nation from each of the five global regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
- The host nation, the United States.
- A sixth team, which will qualify through a yet-to-be-determined tournament.
Competition Schedule
The cricket fixtures are set to kick off on July 12, 2028. They will take place at the newly constructed Fairgrounds Stadium, located about 50 kilometers from Los Angeles.
Future Olympic Aspirations
The ICC is actively pursuing cricket’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta has engaged in discussions with the organizers to explore opportunities for cricket in this upcoming event. This initiative signifies a crucial step in advancing the sport’s presence on a global stage.
Key Meetings and Discussions
Gupta, along with ICC Chair Jay Shah, has met with representatives from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), LA28, and Brisbane 2032 officials in Lausanne, Switzerland. These discussions emphasized:
- Event delivery
- Competition formats
- Qualification pathways
Gupta highlighted the potential benefits of cricket’s inclusion in major multi-sport events. The return of cricket to the Olympics, following a 128-year absence, is viewed as a transformative opportunity. It promises access to a broader audience and significant government funding, which can bolster investments in the sport.
Upcoming Multi-Sport Events
Before the LA28 Olympics, cricket will participate in several key competitions:
- 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- 2027 African Games in Cairo, Egypt
- 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru
This participation in various regional games will enhance cricket’s visibility in areas where the sport has lesser engagement. The ICC continues its efforts to collaborate with sports federations and governing bodies, aiming to expand cricket’s footprint in other competitions.
As the ICC pushes forward, the growth of the women’s game and cricket’s role within the Olympic framework remains a focal point. The dialogue with Olympic officials signals a strong commitment to ensuring the sport’s lasting legacy in future Olympic events.
