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Follow UsCricket is set to be one of five new sports in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed during a vote in Mumbai on Monday (October 16).
Along with cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse and squash were also recommended by the LA Local Organising Committee (LOCOG), which was approved by the IOC's executive board.
With the USA set to co-host the T20 World Cup next year and the success of the Major League Cricket (MLC) earlier this year, Niccolo Campriani, director of LA LOCOG, said cricket will no longer be a niche sport in the region.
"We are thrilled to welcome the world's second-most popular sport with an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide," Campriani said.
"Some of you might be wondering why in LA? Well, the commitment to grow cricket in the US is real, and it's already happening with the launch of the very first Major League Cricket season earlier this year, which exceeded all expectations. And the [men's] T20 World Cup in 2024 coming to US and West Indies."
Campriani also felt that IOC's bid to attract new audiences and financial capital also went in cricket's favour to be included. Add to that an opportunity for many in the region to see top sports idols like Virat Kohli is the icing on the cake.
"We all recognise the critical importance of a strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth. And cricket is offering a unique platform to do so," Campriani said.
"Think [about] my friend here, Virat. He's the third-most followed athlete in the world on social media, with 314 million followers. That's more than LeBron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined. This is the ultimate win-win for LA 28.
"The IOC and the cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries, while the Olympic movement gains access to previously untapped communities of athletes and fans. It's a great example of how one can reach the other."
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay hopes that this is the start for cricket to be included in further editions as well.
"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," he said.
“I’d like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and for their trust in our organisation’s ability to deliver a world-class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world. The fact that the IOC confirmation of our selection occurred here in Mumbai during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is truly icing on the cake. The innings has just begun, and we can't wait to see where this incredible journey leads.”
