Cricket Returns to Olympics at LA 2028 After 128 Years
Cricket is set to make a long-awaited comeback to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 after an incredible 128-year absence. The cricket tournament at LA 2028 Olympics will run from July 12, with the medal matches scheduled for July 20 and 29. All matches will be held at the purpose-built Fairgrounds Stadium in Pomona, about 50 kilometers from Los Angeles.
This historic return marks only the second time cricket will be featured in the Olympics, the first being in 1900 at the Paris Games where Great Britain defeated France in a two-day match to win the gold medal. The upcoming LA Games will see cricket join four other new sports approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC): baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash.
Tournament format and schedule
The cricket competition will feature six teams each in both men’s and women’s categories.
Each team will have a 15-member squad, aligning with the event quota of 90 athletes per category.
The tournament is set to begin on July 12, with most matchdays scheduled as double-headers starting at 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM local time.
Notably, no matches are scheduled on July 14 and 21 to allow for rest and venue preparations.
Medal matches for both categories will be played on July 20 and 29 at the same venue.
Although the final format is yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected that two groups of three teams each will compete, with group winners and runners-up advancing to the semifinals.
Fairgrounds Stadium: The cricketing hub of LA 2028
The matches will be held at Fairgrounds Stadium, also known as Fairplex, a sprawling 500-acre complex in Pomona. Fairplex has been a significant cultural and sporting venue since 1922, frequently hosting concerts, trade shows, and sports events. For the Olympics, it will be transformed into a dedicated cricket arena, showcasing the sport on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighbourhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy.”
Cricket’s global rise and Olympic inclusion
Cricket’s re-entry into the Olympics demonstrates its growing global appeal. In recent years, cricket has expanded beyond traditional strongholds. The women’s game featured at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and both men’s and women’s cricket have been included in multiple Asian Games editions (2010, 2014, and 2023).
The decision to include cricket in LA 2028 follows its successful co-hosting of the ICC T20 World Cup last year in the USA and the West Indies. Iconic venues such as Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, and Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York hosted major fixtures, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the top six ranked teams in each category will qualify for the Olympics, ensuring high-quality competition among the world’s best sides. You can check the latest ICC Men’s Cricket Rankings to see where teams currently stand.
A massive moment for the sport
This return to the Olympics is expected to significantly boost cricket’s visibility, particularly in markets like the USA where the sport is still developing. With cricket included in the Olympic program, the sport is set to capture new audiences and inspire the next generation of cricketers worldwide.
Stay tuned to our latest news section for further updates on team selections, fixtures, and in-depth coverage leading up to LA 2028.