Cricket Set to Return at LA28 Olympics: Dates, Venue, and Format Announced

Cricket is officially making a historic return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 (LA28), with the T20 format scheduled to take center stage. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that both the men’s and women’s T20 competitions will take place from July 12 to July 29, 2028.

Key Highlights:

• 🥇 Medal Matches:

  • Women’s final: July 20, 2028
  • Men’s final: July 29, 2028

• 🏟️ Venue:

  All matches will be played at the Fairplex in Pomona, located about 50 km east of downtown Los Angeles.

• 🏏 Format & Schedule:

  • Six teams per gender will compete.
  • Each squad will consist of 15 players, totaling 90 athletes per tournament.
  • Double-header matchdays will feature games at 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM (local time).

This marks a monumental moment in cricket history, as the sport returns to the Olympic stage after 128 years. Cricket last featured in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where Great Britain defeated France in a one-off match to win gold.

Global Growth & Olympic Inclusion

The inclusion of cricket in LA28 reflects its growing global appeal and aligns with the Olympics’ goal to feature sports with worldwide fanbases. The return of cricket is expected to boost viewership, attract younger audiences, and elevate the sport’s international presence.

Qualification Details Still Pending

While the competition format is now clear, the qualification process for LA28 is yet to be finalized. It is expected to be a key topic at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference, which kicks off on July 17 in Singapore.