The 2028 Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, USA, from July 21 to August 6. These games bring together elite athletes worldwide to compete in a variety of sports for national pride and Olympic medals. However, cricket is currently not included in the list of sports for the 2028 Olympics.
Why Cricket Is Not Included in Olympics 2028?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed that cricket does not meet the criteria required for inclusion in the Olympics, citing potential complexities in organization and management as primary concerns for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Although popular globally, the high costs associated with hosting cricket and the lack of infrastructure in many countries are significant barriers. The IOC also considers each sport’s uniqueness and global relevance before making inclusion decisions.
What Is the Procedure for Adding a New Sport to the Olympics?
For a sport to be included in the Olympic Games, it must first be governed by an international federation, per the Olympic Charter. Additionally, the sport needs substantial global presence, formal recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and adherence to several key criteria. Without fulfilling these requirements, a sport cannot be part of the Olympic program.
When Did Cricket First Appear at the Olympics?
Cricket’s only appearance in the Olympics was in the 1900 Paris Games, where France faced Great Britain after Belgium and the Netherlands withdrew. Played with 12 players per side, the match didn’t meet first-class standards. Great Britain won by 158 runs, with France managing just 104 runs across two innings.
ICC Bidding for Inclusion of Cricket in Olympics
The ICC has allocated $3 million for a bid to include cricket in the 2028 Olympics, marking a significant push after its absence since 1900. Although currently omitted from the core sports list, final decisions on additional sports will be made in 2023. Ongoing discussions with the IOC, dating back to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, had stalled due to ICC’s internal issues. However, with renewed, unified efforts, the ICC is optimistic that cricket’s Olympic inclusion is within reach.
