The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA. The tournament will feature six teams each for men and women competing in a T20 format, with 15 players per team. 90 male and 90 female players will be selected for the event.
The IOC’s executive board made this decision, but the official announcement regarding the cricket venues in Los Angeles is still awaited.
Pakistan Faces Ranking Hurdles
Pakistan will need to improve its ranking to qualify for the Olympics. Currently, the men’s team is ranked seventh and the women’s team is ranked eighth in the ICC standings, while only the top 6 teams will qualify for the event. However, the ICC or Olympic Committee has not yet clarified which ranking date will be used as the cutoff.
Cricket’s Return to the Olympics After 128 Years
This is not the first time cricket has been part of the Olympics. Cricket was included in the 1900 Paris Olympics, but after 128 years, the sport is making its return to the global stage. This inclusion will not only bring more recognition to the sport but also attract new players from countries where cricket is not traditionally played.
Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Details
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will see 11,198 athletes from around the world. There will be a total of 351 medal events, including 55 in aquatics and 48 in athletics. Additionally, 31 sports have been included in the Olympic program.
