Cricket is set to make its long-awaited return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, marking a historic milestone for the sport on the global stage. This will be the first time cricket is played in the Olympics since 1900, when it featured in a single match between Great Britain and France. More than a century later, cricket’s reintroduction reflects its expanding international popularity and the Olympic movement’s commitment to inclusivity and global appeal.

The format for Olympic cricket in 2028 will be T20 (Twenty20), the shortest and most dynamic version of the sport. Fast-paced and thrilling, T20 cricket is perfectly suited for modern audiences and the Olympic schedule. Each game lasts around three hours, offering high-energy action, explosive batting, and nail-biting finishes that align well with the excitement and tempo of other Olympic events.

The competition is expected to feature both men’s and women’s tournaments, with leading cricket nations like India, Australia, England, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, and emerging cricket powers such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the USA all likely to participate. The inclusion of the United States, both as a host and as a growing cricket nation, adds a unique dimension to the event, supporting the development of the game in non-traditional markets.

Olympic cricket is more than just a sporting addition — it represents a strategic move to tap into the sport’s massive global fan base. Cricket is followed passionately by over 2.5 billion people, especially across South Asia, making it one of the world’s most-watched sports. Its presence in the Olympics is expected to boost global viewership, drive youth participation, and create exciting new commercial and cultural opportunities.

For the cricketing world, Olympic inclusion is also a chance to showcase the sport’s diversity and unity. T20 format levels the playing field, giving smaller or less dominant nations a better chance of competing with the traditional giants. It’s a format where upsets are possible, new heroes are born, and every ball can change the outcome.

As anticipation builds for LA 2028, Olympic cricket promises to be one of the most watched and talked-about events of the Games. With a fresh stage, a historic return, and the passion of millions behind it, cricket’s Olympic revival is poised to be a transformative moment for the sport and the Games alike.