Cricket’s hopes of competing in the Olympics remain alive and well. After it was thought that the game’s chances of being included in the Los Angeles Olympics of 2028 were virtually nil, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that LA28 has invited the ICC to make a presentation.
According to information obtained from all parties involved, cricket will compete against eight other disciplines, one of which is break-dancing (World DanceSport Federation). Other federations invited include baseball/softball (WBSC), flag football (IFAF), lacrosse (World Lacrosse), karate (WKF), kickboxing (WAKO), squash (WSF), and motorsport (FIA).
On Monday (August 1), a well-placed source confirmed the IOC/LA 28 invitation to reports. “Nine disciplines have been shortlisted of international federations invited to submit RFI (Request for Information) proposals for the LA28 Olympic sports program review,” according to the source. The presentations must be delivered later this month. The final decision is expected before the IOC Session in Mumbai in mid-2023.
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Although it is unknown how many of those invited will ultimately compete in the Games, LA28 has already announced 28 disciplines: aquatics, canoe, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, equestrian, handball, fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, rowing, rugby, sailing, judo, shooting, skateboarding, soccer, sport climbing, surfing, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, volleyball, and wrestling. According to reports, LA28 is not required to include new sports, but it is expected to consider games that will fit its cap of 10,500 athletes at the Olympics.
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“Beyond the initial 28 sports, the LA28 Games organizing committee has the option, but not the obligation, to propose additional new sports for inclusion in the LA28 Olympic program. LA28 and the IOC will collaborate with international federations in the coming months to review disciplines against the evaluation criteria. The criteria will also be used to assess potential new sports for the LA28 Olympic Games “In June, an LA28 spokesperson told reports.
The IOC pitch will focus on the game’s global appeal, with over one billion fans, the majority of whom are young. It would also confirm that the world’s best players will compete in the game’s most exciting format (T20).
When asked about the Olympic hopes, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice recently told journalists, “We have stated our desire to participate in the Olympic Games. We are assisting the LA28 organizers and providing them with information for their assessment of various sports for inclusion in the Olympic program. Decisions are due next year at this point. There isn’t much to report at this point aside from the fact that we are assisting the LA28 organizers.”
He continued: “The annual conference in Birmingham is intended to commemorate cricket’s participation in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 24 years, with the women’s T20 event. According to the players’ reactions, they are all excited and enjoying the experience of being with top athletes from other sports.”
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