Cricket at LA Olympics 2028 set to make iconic return on global stage
Cricket at LA Olympics 2028 is making headlines as it marks the sport’s long-awaited return to the Olympic stage after more than a century. The competition will officially kick off on July 12, 2028, and all matches will take place at Fairgrounds Stadium in Pomona, California, a custom-built venue located around 50km from Los Angeles.
The excitement is immense as cricket returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1900, when just two teams, Great Britain and France, competed in a single match. This time, 12 teams—six men’s and six women’s—will fight for the coveted gold, featuring a total of 180 players in the fast-paced T20 format.
Fairgrounds Stadium gears up for thrilling T20 clashes
Fairgrounds Stadium, also known as Fairplex, has been chosen as the site for this iconic return. Spanning nearly 500 acres, the complex is no stranger to large-scale events and will be transformed into a cricket venue to accommodate the global spectacle.
Each participating team is allowed to register 15 players, making for an action-packed competition that mirrors the recent global push for cricket’s expansion. The medal matches are scheduled for July 20 and 29, while most of the tournament days will feature double-header matches. There will be no matches on July 14 and 21, ensuring rest periods and logistical coordination.
Match timings are set at 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM local time, including the medal games. This time frame accommodates both on-ground audiences and global broadcasting requirements.
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is part of a broader plan by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which has approved five new sports for the 2028 Games—cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. The decision reflects cricket’s soaring popularity, particularly in emerging markets like the United States.
The announcement has created a wave of anticipation across the cricketing world. Just recently, the United States co-hosted the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 alongside the West Indies, with cities like Grand Prairie, Lauderhill, and New York successfully hosting international matches.
Cricket’s growing global appeal is further evident from its inclusion in other multi-sport events. Women’s cricket made its Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham in 2022, while the men’s and women’s formats were part of the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the move and expressed pride in hosting the event. “When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighbourhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy.” Cricket at LA Olympics 2028
She added that initiatives like PlayLA, with over one million enrolments, reflect how the city is already delivering on its Olympic promise even before the Games begin. LA28, in coordination with the IOC, continues to build momentum for what is being dubbed the most inclusive and exciting Olympics in recent memory.
The return of cricket to the Cricket at LA Olympics 2028 is not just a nostalgic revival but a strategic move to globalise the sport. For millions of fans and emerging cricketing nations, LA 2028 represents more than just a competition it symbolizes a new era. Also Read: 5 Joyful Moments That Prove Jungkook Is on Instagram again and BTS Is Back in Full Force
A golden opportunity for cricket to shine worldwide
Cricket at LA Olympics 2028 is more than a celebration of the sport it’s a historic opportunity to showcase cricket’s universal appeal. With global viewership expected to skyrocket, and youth engagement on the rise, the Olympics may very well become cricket’s newest stronghold.
Conclusion: Cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking event. With global participation, passionate fanfare, and modern infrastructure, the tournament promises to redefine cricket’s place in the world of international sports.
