128 years after its lone Olympic debut, cricket is
scheduled to make a comeback in the LA Games in 2028. Cricket, along with
baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, have been proposed for
“potential inclusion” as additional sports to the LA Olympics,
according to a Monday media statement from LA28, which verified the
development.
The LA28 statement also stated that its recommendation
would be “reviewed” and approved by the IOC at its executive board
meeting, which will be held in Mumbai between October 12 and 14, later this
week.
“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on
the field of play and drive culture off it. They’re relevant, innovative and
community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums
and parks across the U.S. and the globe,” Wasserman said. “They will bring
new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’
presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an
unparalleled experience.”
ICC chairman Greg Barclay was “delighted”
but guarded in his reaction. “We are delighted that LA28 have recommended
cricket for inclusion in the Olympics,” Barclay said in a media release.
“Whilst this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark
towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century.”
The ICC suggested a six-team T20 tournament for both
men and women at its presentation before LA28. The top-six teams in the ICC’s
men’s and women’s T20 rankings on a cutoff date would make up the participating
teams. Since LA28 and the IOC both emphasised that the format should be one in
which there is a world championship conducted (which ruled out the T10 format,
for example), have a compact duration (which ruled out ODIs), and have
significant spectator interest, the ICC proposed the T20 format as the best
format.
It could not be confirmed if the ICC had finalised a
tournament structure, which until recently was still under discussions.