Cricket is finally making a grand comeback to the Olympics after 128 years. The sport will be played during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA), USA. The matches will start from 12 July 2028, and the medal matches will be held on 20 and 29 July.
This is a historic moment for cricket fans all over the world.
Cricket at the Olympics – What You Need to Know
- The cricket format will be T20.
- Both men’s and women’s tournaments will be held.
- Each tournament will feature 6 teams.
- A total of 180 players will take part, with 15 players in each team.
- Most days will have double-headers (two matches in a day).
- There will be no matches on 14 and 21 July.
All games will be held in USA local time, with two fixed start times:
- Morning match: 9:00 AM
- Evening match: 6:30 PM
Where Will the Matches Be Played?
All cricket matches during LA 2028 will be played at the Fairgrounds Stadium. In addition, a temporary stadium is being built in Pomona, a city located about 50 kilometers from Los Angeles.
This new venue is being specially constructed for Olympic cricket matches, showing how serious the organizers are about making cricket a success in the Olympics.
No Info Yet on Qualification Process
One of the biggest questions still unanswered is: How will teams qualify for the Olympics?
So far, the qualification process has not been announced. However, as the host country, USA is guaranteed a place in both men’s and women’s cricket tournaments.
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That means 5 more teams will be selected through some form of qualification rounds, but exact details are expected to be released in the future.
USA’s Experience with Cricket
The United States has already hosted T20 World Cup 2024 matches, which helped prepare the country for bigger events like the Olympics. Matches were held in:
- New York
- Florida
- Dallas
One of the biggest matches between India and Pakistan was played in New York, and it drew massive attention worldwide. The USA has proven that it can host international cricket successfully.
Cricket Returns After 128 Years
Cricket was last played in the Olympics in 1900, during the Paris Games. Back then:
- Only two teams took part – Great Britain and France.
- Only one match was played, which was declared the final.
- Great Britain won the gold medal, and France took the silver.
Now, after 128 years, cricket is set to be part of the biggest global sporting event once again. Fans across the world are excited to see their favorite teams and players represent their countries on the Olympic stage.
What LA’s Mayor Said
Karen Bass, the Mayor of Los Angeles, shared her thoughts, saying:
“When the world comes here for the Games, we will proudly host every part of the city. We are working to ensure we leave behind a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Her words show that the city is committed to making the Olympic Games inclusive, memorable, and successful for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
The return of cricket to the Olympics is not just about medals — it’s about taking the sport to a new global level. With 6 teams, new stadiums, and a format that suits modern cricket lovers, the LA 2028 Games could change how the world views Olympic cricket forever.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Details such as schedule, teams, and venues may change as per official updates. Please refer to the official Olympic or ICC websites for the latest announcements.
