The International Cricket Council (ICC) is thrilled at the confirmation that cricket will be part of the sports program of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 (LA28). Cricket's inclusion was formally ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, following LA28's recommendation last week.
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay said: "This is a historic day for cricket and I am delighted that the IOC has approved our inclusion in the Olympic Games LA28. Cricket is a global sport with over a billion fans, and we believe that its inclusion in the Olympics will help to grow the game even further and inspire a new generation of players.
"I would like to thank LA28 for their support and vision, and the IOC for giving us this opportunity. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that cricket is a success at the Olympic Games LA28."
Cricket was first played at the Olympic Games in Paris in 1900, but it has not been included since. The ICC has been working for many years to get cricket back into the Olympics, and this decision is a major victory for the sport.
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is expected to have a significant impact on the sport. It will raise the profile of cricket around the world and attract new fans to the game. It will also provide a platform for the best cricketers in the world to compete against each other and showcase their skills.
The ICC is currently working with LA28 to develop a format for cricket at the Olympic Games LA28. It is likely that the tournament will be a T20 cricket event, which is the most popular format of the game.
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic Games LA28 is a major milestone for the sport. It is a testament to the global popularity of cricket and the ICC's commitment to growing the game.