MELBOURNE, October 16, 2023 : Cricket was one of six sports approved for inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics by the International Olympic Committee at its meeting in Mumbai along with Baseball/Softball, Flag Football, Lacrosse and Squash. Cricket Australia (CA) has welcomed the addition of T20 cricket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games program.
This will be the first time cricket has been played at the Olympics since the 1900 Paris Olympics where Great Britain defeated France in a one-off match.
CA has been a strong supporter of the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics with this advocacy part of Australian Cricket’s current five-year strategic plan.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia Chief Executive said, “We are thrilled that the International Olympic Committee has approved the introduction of T20 cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“This is a game-changer for our sport that is already among the fastest growing in the world. The Olympic Games will undoubtedly increase the global reach of cricket, inspiring a whole new generation to love and play the game.
“The opportunity to win an Olympic medal also provides a new and exciting opportunity for our champion women’s and men’s teams.
“We look forward to working with the Australian Olympic Committee in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Games and are hopeful this will be the start of a long-standing relationship between cricket and the Olympics, including for Brisbane 2032.”
Terry Svenson, Queensland Cricket Chief Executive said, “Queensland Cricket is thrilled at confirmation that cricket will be formally included in the Olympics for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. It will hopefully inspire girls and boys around the country to achieve their Olympic dreams through playing cricket.
“Along with Cricket Australia, we have championed regional Queensland venues for many years, and the investment in infrastructure promises to deliver a great outcome for sport as cricket joins the Olympic family.
In a statement the ICC said,, “the ICC is thrilled at the confirmation that cricket will be part of sports programme of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 (LA28).”
Reflecting on the news, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay commented, “We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today. To have the opportunity to showcase our great sport at the LA28 Games and hopefully many Olympic Games to come will be great for players and fans alike. “
