Cricket is finally part of the Olympic Games. The much-followed sport is back at the quadrennial spectacle after a 128-year hiatus. Cricket was part of the 1900 Olympic Games. At the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angles, cricket (T20Is for men and women) returns to the sporting spectacle. In addition to lacrosse (sixes), baseball/softball, flag football and squash, cricket is one of the additional sports for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
The decision was officially announced on Monday and perhaps today’s biggest cricketer, Virat Kohli, was mentioned. There was even a hint that Virat Kohli’s large fan following could persuade organizers to include cricket in the Olympics.
Speaking at the 141st session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in which the decision was made to include the sport in the Olympic Games, Niccolo Campriani, sports director of the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, said: “My friend here Virat Kohli, he is the third most followed athlete in the world on social media with 340 million followers. That’s more than LeBron James (NBA basketball star), Tom Brady (American football icon) and Tiger Woods (American golf legend) combined. It’s an ultimate win -win situation for LA28, the IOC and the cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage, growing it beyond traditional cricketing nations and giving it access to untapped communities of athletes and fans.
LA Sports Director on King Kohli:
Virat Kohli is one of the main reasons behind the inclusion of Cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/upCYsQsI2a
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 16, 2023
It is no surprise that Virat’s name was mentioned at the event as he is considered one of the best batters of all time. With over 25,000 international runs, 77 centuries and countless memorable moments as a captain/cricketer/social figure, Virat has become the successor to the legacy of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the eyes of many.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Virat’s Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise also acknowledged Niccolo’s words.
“KOHLIFIED! The face and brand not just for RCB or Team India, but for cricket as a sport! Sports Director at #LA28 explains why it’s a win-win to have cricket at the #Olympics. #PlayBold” , RCB tweeted.
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The face and brand not just for RCB or Team India, but for cricket as a sport!
Sports director at #LA28 explains why it’s a win-win to have Cricket at the #Olympics. #Playfat pic.twitter.com/x2JJa7ALyZ
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 16, 2023
Cricket made its only appearance at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, where Great Britain defeated France in the final. But it is also played at Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Two IOC members opposed the proposal and one abstained.
“The proposal of the Organizing Committee of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (@LA28) to include five new sports in the program has been accepted by the IOC session. Baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash are scheduled to take place in LA28. #IOCMumbai2023,” IOC Media tweeted.
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