(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
LA 2028 Olympic Cricket Stadium May Host IPL Matches in Future
Construction has officially begun on the cricket venue for the 2028 Summer Olympics, with plans that could extend far beyond the Games. The new stadium, located in Pomona, California, is being developed as part of cricket’s return to the Olympic stage.
New Cricket Venue Taking Shape
The stadium is being built at the Fairplex, around 45 miles from Los Angeles. It will serve as the official venue for Olympic cricket matches and is already under construction, with work underway on the pitch and outfield.
The facility is designed as a modular stadium, allowing it to expand in phases:
- Initial capacity of 5,000 spectators
- Expansion to 8,500 by 2027
- Final capacity of 15,000 for the Olympics
Future Home for US Franchise Cricket
The venue will also become the home ground for Los Angeles Knight Riders, a franchise linked to the globally recognized Kolkata Knight Riders.
It is set to host matches in Major League Cricket, which continues to grow in popularity across the United States.
IPL Expansion Possibility
According to KKR CEO Venky Mysore, the stadium could eventually host exhibition matches from the Indian Premier League as part of efforts to expand cricket globally.
While no official matches have been confirmed, discussions about taking IPL teams abroad have been ongoing for several years. Organizers see the United States as a key market for the sport’s growth.
Growing Interest in Cricket in the US
The US is considered one of the biggest untapped sports markets in the world. With the rise of Major League Cricket and the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics, interest in the sport is steadily increasing.
Officials believe that hosting high-profile matches, including potential IPL exhibitions, could further boost viewership, sponsorship, and media rights opportunities.
Focus on Delivering the Olympic Venue
For now, the priority remains completing the stadium and ensuring a successful return of cricket at the LA 2028 Olympics. If all goes as planned, the venue could become a long-term hub for international and franchise cricket in North America.
