Cricket lovers, rejoice! After a staggering 128-year hiatus, cricket is officially making its comeback to the Olympic Games, and it’s happening in Los Angeles in 2028. That’s right — the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics will feature cricket for only the second time in Olympic history, and this time, it’s stepping in with a fresh and fast-paced twist: T20 format for both men and women.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics and its exciting return to the global sporting stage.
A Historic Moment: Cricket’s Olympic Return After 128 Years
Back in Paris 1900, cricket made its one and only Olympic appearance. Just two teams — Great Britain and France — faced off in what turned out to be more of a cricketing curiosity than a spectacle. Great Britain walked away with the gold, and then cricket vanished from the Olympic scene… until now.
Fast forward to 2028, and things look a lot different. Instead of a single match, we’re getting two full-fledged T20 tournaments — one for men and one for women — complete with gold, silver, and bronze medals up for grabs.
It’s a massive step forward, especially for fans from cricket-mad nations like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan.
Mark Your Calendars: Match Dates and Schedule
So, when does the action start?
The cricket competition at LA 2028 Olympics is set to kick off on July 12, 2028. The medal matches — that’s right, the ones where history will be made — are scheduled for July 20 and July 29.
Quick breakdown:
- Start Date: July 12, 2028
- Medal Matches: July 20 & July 29
- No Matches On: July 14 and July 21 (rest days)
Daily Match Timings (Local Time):
- Morning Match: 9:00 AM
- Evening Match: 6:30 PM
Match Timings (Indian Standard Time):
- First Game: 9:30 PM IST
- Second Game: 7:00 AM IST (next day)
Double-headers will be the norm — two matches per day — giving fans maximum action.
The Format: T20 Cricket for Men and Women
Unlike the 1900 Olympic match, which dragged on for two days, the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics will be modern and fast-paced. The T20 format has been chosen for both men’s and women’s events, making the tournament compact, TV-friendly, and thrilling.
- Each team will consist of 15 players
- 6 teams per gender (90 athlete slots each)
The participating nations haven’t been officially announced yet, but expect top cricketing countries to be in the mix — and possibly some surprises too!
Where Will the Matches Be Played?
You might be wondering — where in LA will the matches happen?
All games will be hosted at a purpose-built temporary stadium at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, known as Fairplex — about 50 km from Los Angeles. This 500-acre complex will transform into a world-class cricket venue for the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics.
Expect everything from cutting-edge cricket infrastructure to fan zones, food courts, and maybe even a touch of Bollywood glam.
Why Is Cricket Back at the Olympics Now?
Let’s face it — cricket has long had a massive global following, especially across the Commonwealth. But its absence from the Olympics has been puzzling.
That changed when the IOC approved cricket for the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics, along with four other sports:
- Baseball/Softball
- Flag Football
- Lacrosse (Sixes)
- Squash
This is all part of a broader push to globalize the Olympics and appeal to a younger, more diverse audience. The T20 format is a perfect match — fast, fun, and full of energy.
Cricket in Multi-Sport Events: The Build-Up to LA 2028
Before the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics, the sport has been making quiet but steady strides in multi-sport events:
- 1998 Commonwealth Games (Kuala Lumpur) – Men’s cricket
- 2022 Commonwealth Games (Birmingham) – Women’s T20 debut
- Asian Games – Cricket featured in 2010, 2014, and 2023
These events laid the foundation for cricket’s inclusion in the world’s biggest sporting event.
What This Means for Indian Fans
India is one of the biggest cricket markets on the planet, and the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics will be a huge deal back home.
With evening matches in LA starting at 7:00 AM IST, fans in India can wake up to breakfast and boundaries. Indian stars are expected to feature prominently in both men’s and women’s squads, making this a must-watch event.
Not to mention, squash — another sport where India is rising — will also be making its Olympic debut.
The Olympic Dream: More Than Just Medals
For cricketers, the Olympics offers something unique. It’s not about franchise deals or rankings — it’s about national pride.
Winning a medal at the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics would be legacy-defining. Imagine standing on the podium, hearing your national anthem after clinching gold — it’s the ultimate dream.
How Cricket at LA 2028 Will Shape the Future
The return of cricket is not a one-time event. If the Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics proves successful — and all signs say it will — it could open the doors to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
More exposure, funding and growth — especially in non-traditional cricket nations. This is cricket’s golden opportunity.
Squash and Cricket: India’s Double Chance at Glory
Along with cricket, squash will also debut at LA 2028, and Indian athletes are showing strong international form in both sports.
That means two fresh medal opportunities — not just from traditional events like wrestling or shooting, but from emerging disciplines finally getting their Olympic spotlight.
A New Era for Cricket Begins in LA
So here we are — on the cusp of something truly special. The Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics marks the beginning of a new era. With T20 fireworks, medal dreams, and global attention, cricket is ready to light up the Olympic stage.
It’s been 128 years in the making, and now, the world’s most beloved bat-and-ball game is getting the recognition it deserves.
Read More: ICC Stop-Clock Rule in Tests: Full List of New Rules Across Formats
Conclusion
The Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics isn’t just another tournament — it’s a turning point for the sport. With its high-energy T20 format, international participation, and the chance to compete for Olympic glory, cricket is finally stepping onto the grandest sporting platform once again.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the game for the first time, one thing’s for sure: cricket at the Olympics is back — and it’s here to stay.
