“One of our strategic priorities is to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics. The decision is made by the IOC in consultation with the LA28 LOC. All we can do is do our best and hope that cricket will be introduced to LA,” ICC President Greg Barclay told Cricbuzz.
However, it is likely that cricket will be included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. But ICC is banking on cricket’s popularity in South Asia and a billion fans to push cricket into the Olympics.
“We believe there is a unique opportunity in the partnership between cricket, the Olympic Movement and LA2028. We want our global fan base of over one billion people to be part of the greatest sporting event in the world. We want our best players and the most dynamic format to benefit from the unique global platform of the Games”, Barclay told the Wall Street Journal.
Cricket at the 2028 Olympics: ICC is still hoping for cricket’s inclusion in the LA Olympics, and is expected to present cricket’s case next month
Cricket at the 2028 Olympics: Obstacles for cricket at the LA Olympics
- The United States lacks the infrastructure to host a multinational cricket tournament.
- Currently, baseball stadiums are converted into makeshift cricket stadiums for cricket matches.
- But the United States should have the infrastructure ready by 2024, as the ICC has granted joint hosting rights to the United States alongside the West Indies with an eye on LA 2028.
- India, the most popular cricket team in the world, will also travel to the United States and play part of their series against the West Indies in August this year.
LA 2028 Olympics Sports: Water sports, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, cycling, equestrian sports, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, skateboarding, football, sport climbing , surfing, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling.
Sports under study: Cheerleading, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, baseball and softball.
Cricket at the 2028 Olympics: ICC is still hoping for cricket’s inclusion in the LA Olympics, and is expected to present cricket’s case next month
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