Cricket in Olympics LA2028: Cricket’s return to the Olympic stage after 128 years is a historic milestone, set to captivate fans at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that cricket will feature in the fast-paced T20 format, with both men’s and women’s tournaments showcasing six teams each.
With the schedule recently announced, anticipation is building for this global spectacle. This article provides a detailed overview of the cricket schedule for the 2028 Olympics, key event details.
Cricket in Olympics: Comeback for LA2028
Cricket last appeared at the Olympics in 1900, when Great Britain defeated France in a one-off match. Its reintroduction at LA28 marks a significant moment, driven by the sport’s global popularity, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, and the commercial potential highlighted by the IOC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The T20 format, known for its high-energy, big-hitting action, will ensure thrilling competition at the Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium in Pomona, California, a temporary venue designed for the Games.
Official Cricket Schedule for LA 2028 Olympics
The cricket tournaments at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will run from July 12 to July 29, 2028, within the broader Olympic schedule of July 14 to July 30. The events are split into men’s and women’s T20 tournaments, each featuring six teams with 15-member squads. Here’s the detailed schedule, as confirmed by reliable sources:
Women’s T20 Tournament:
- Dates: July 12 to July 18, 2028
- Medal Match: July 19, 2028
Men’s T20 Tournament:
- Dates: July 22 to July 28, 2028
- Medal Match: July 29, 2028
The tournaments will be hosted at a temporary stadium at the Fairplex in Pomona, Southern California, approximately an hour’s drive from the Olympic Village. This venue choice ensures players can stay in the Olympic Village, enhancing the Games’ sustainability and accessibility.
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Key Details of Cricket at LA 2028
- Format: Both men’s and women’s events will use the T20 format, where each team faces 20 overs (120 balls) per innings, emphasizing quick scoring and dynamic play.
- Teams: Six teams per gender, with each squad comprising 15 players, totaling 90 athletes per category.
- Venue: Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium, Pomona, California (temporary structure).
- Qualification: The United States, as the host nation, is likely to secure an automatic spot. The remaining five teams per tournament are expected to qualify based on ICC T20I rankings by a cutoff date, though exact criteria are still pending confirmation.
- Significance: Cricket’s inclusion aims to tap into new markets, particularly in India, with potential viewership for an India-Pakistan final exceeding a billion, per industry estimates.
Why Cricket’s Return Matters
The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics, approved in October 2023 during the IOC’s 141st Session in Mumbai, reflects its growing global appeal. The T20 format’s success in events like the IPL, Asian Games (2010, 2014, 2023), and Commonwealth Games (2022) has made it a perfect fit for the Olympics’ fast-paced ethos.
ICC Chair Jay Shah emphasized the opportunity to “expand traditional boundaries” and attract new audiences, while BCCI Secretary Jay Shah highlighted the potential for infrastructural growth and youth development.
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Challenges and Opportunities
- Qualification Questions: The qualification process remains undecided, with discussions ongoing at the ICC’s annual meeting in Singapore (July 17-20, 2025). Key issues include whether the USA will automatically qualify and how teams like England, Ireland, and the West Indies, which don’t align with standard National Olympic Committees, will be represented.
- Team GB Representation: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland are collaborating to form a Great Britain team, leveraging their 1900 gold medal legacy. A memorandum with Cricket Ireland will allow Northern Irish players to participate.
- Commercial Impact: The IOC expects cricket to boost media rights value from $16 million to $200 million, driven by South Asian viewership, making it a strategic addition alongside flag football, squash, baseball/softball, and lacrosse.
Cricket’s return to the Olympics in 2028 is a game-changer, with the T20 tournaments set to deliver electrifying action from July 12 to July 29 at the Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium.
The schedule, featuring women’s matches from July 12–18 and men’s from July 22–28, promises intense competition among six elite teams per category. As the ICC finalizes qualification and team details, the stage is set for cricket to shine on the global Olympic stage.
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FAQ’s on Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics
When is cricket scheduled for the 2028 Olympics?
Cricket will run from July 12 to July 29, 2028, with women’s matches from July 12–18 (medal match on July 19) and men’s matches from July 22–28 (medal match on July 29).
What is the format of cricket at the 2028 Olympics?
Both men’s and women’s tournaments will use the T20 format, with six teams per category and 15 players per squad.
Where will cricket be played at the 2028 Olympics?
Cricket matches will be held at a temporary Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium in Pomona, California.
Which teams will participate in the 2028 Olympic cricket tournaments?
Six teams per gender will compete. The USA is likely to qualify automatically as the host, with the other five teams expected to be selected based on ICC T20I rankings, though criteria are not yet finalized.
How many players will each cricket team have at LA 2028?
Each team will have a 15-member squad, with a total of 90 athletes per gender.
Why was cricket included in the 2028 Olympics?
Cricket’s inclusion aims to leverage its popularity, especially in India, to boost viewership and media rights value, potentially reaching $200 million.
Will Team GB participate in cricket at the 2028 Olympics?
Discussions between the ECB and Cricket Scotland are underway to form a Great Britain team, with a memorandum including Cricket Ireland for Northern Irish players.
What is the significance of the T20 format for the 2028 Olympics?
The T20 format’s fast-paced, high-scoring nature makes it ideal for attracting new audiences and fitting the Olympic schedule.
When will the qualification criteria for Olympic cricket be announced?
The ICC is expected to finalize qualification criteria during its annual meeting in Singapore, July 17–20, 2025.
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