In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the inclusion of cricket in olympics 2028 staged at the Los Angeles .This is the sport’s first participation in the Olympics in over a century, with the previous being in 1900. Along with cricket, the International Olympic Committee has authorised four more sports: baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, which will add an interesting dimension to the forthcoming Games.
Highlights
Cricket’s Global Appeal
Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics signifies a momentous achievement for the sport and its vast global fan base, which numbers over 2.5 billion people.The decision underscores the sport’s ability to engage with new countries and communities all across the world, making it a vital addition to the Olympic programme.
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IOC President’s Perspective
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his optimism about the addition of these sports to the LA28 Olympics, highlighting their alignment with the culture of both the host city and the American sports culture. He emphasized that the inclusion would showcase iconic American sports to the world and facilitate engagement with new athletes and fan communities, both in the United States and globally.
Cricket in Olympics 2028 : A Long Road
The journey to bring cricket back to the Olympics wasn’t without its challenges. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) had been ambitious about this goal, significant progress was made in 2019 when cricket returned to the Commonwealth Games.The inclusion in LA28 highlights cricket’s rise and appeal.
Participation and Format
The format chosen for cricket in the Olympics is the T20 format, offering fast-paced and exciting matches. The ICC has proposed a six-team T20 event for both men and women, with participation limited to the top-ranked teams. This format aligns with the IOC’s emphasis on having a world championship with a compact duration and significant spectator interest.
Implications and Future
Cricket’s participation in the 2028 Olympics is a big victory for both the sport and the Olympic movement. It gives cricket a worldwide platform and the ability to penetrate beyond traditional cricket-playing countries.
The Persuasion Factor
What’s fascinating is that there was little need for persuasion when it came to including cricket in the LA28 Olympics. Casey Wasserman, the chairperson of LA28, championed the idea during a meal at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, highlighting cricket’s immense potential.
Boxing and Other Developments
While cricket’s inclusion is a cause for celebration, the inclusion of boxing is still on hold due to issues related to the governing body. The IOC is eager to include boxing and hopes to resolve these matters. Weightlifting, despite challenges related to doping, has been granted a reprieve after agreeing to substantial reforms.
In addition, modern pentathlon will return to the Games, featuring obstacle racing instead of equestrianism. These changes reflect the IOC’s commitment to keeping the Olympics dynamic and appealing.
Russian Athletes’ Status
The suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee has no direct bearing on the potential for Russian athletes to compete as “neutrals” in future Games. The IOC reserves the right to invite individual neutral athletes with Russian passports, ensuring that the spirit of competition remains inclusive and fair.
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