(Image Source: Richard Vogel / Associated Press)
[Saba Sports News] Cricket, which first appeared in the Olympics in 1900, is set to make a comeback in LA28, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s history. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has actively pursued Olympic inclusion for several years, and this development follows the official proposal submitted by the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The proposal included cricket in the Twenty20 format, along with other sports, such as baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash, for potential inclusion in the 2028 Olympic sports program. Formal approval is anticipated during the IOC session in Mumbai next week.
The ICC welcomed the decision, with Chairman Greg Barclay expressing delight and highlighting the significance of this landmark development. The inclusion of cricket is primarily driven by economic considerations, as the sport’s popularity in the subcontinent, particularly in India, offers significant commercial opportunities for the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The media rights value of the Olympic Games could potentially increase from $16 million to $200 million with the inclusion of cricket. An India-Pakistan match for the gold medal is expected to draw a vast global audience.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally approved Olympic participation a couple of years ago, overcoming historical hesitations and concerns. This decision opens the door to cricket’s return to the Olympics.