(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Cricket Set to Make Historic Return at LA 2028 Olympics: Full Schedule Announced
Cricket fans around the world have reason to celebrate, as the sport is officially making a comeback to the Olympic Games after 128 years. The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that cricket will be part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with matches scheduled from July 12 to July 29, 2028.
This marks cricket’s first Olympic appearance since it was last played at the 1900 Paris Games.
Olympic Cricket Format and Key Dates
Cricket will kick off two days before the official opening ceremony of the LA 2028 Olympics, which runs from July 14 to July 30. The matches will take place at a temporary venue in Pomona, located about 50 kilometers from downtown Los Angeles.
The tournament will be played in T20 format and divided into two key phases:
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Phase 1: July 12–18
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First Medal Match: July 19
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Phase 2: July 22–28
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Final Medal Match: July 29
This schedule allows for a thrilling finale, with the last cricket match taking place just one day before the Olympic closing ceremony.
Men’s and Women’s Tournaments Confirmed
Both men’s and women’s T20 competitions will be featured, each with six teams and 15-player squads. This balanced representation will bring global attention to both formats and help grow the sport on an international stage.
Qualification Process to Be Finalized
While the competition format is confirmed, the qualification criteria are yet to be officially decided. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will finalize the qualification process during its annual conference in Singapore from July 17 to 20, 2025.
Two potential qualification routes are being considered:
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ICC team rankings, or
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A global qualifying tournament, potentially allowing associate nations a chance to compete on the Olympic stage.
A New Chapter in Cricket’s Global Journey
Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics is expected to provide a major boost to the sport’s global reach, especially in markets like the United States, where the game continues to grow.
With top international teams expected to participate and millions of fans worldwide, Olympic cricket in LA 2028 promises to be a landmark event that redefines cricket’s presence in global sports.
