Cricket is all set to return to the Olympic Games at LA 2028, marking a historic comeback after more than a century. The sport, loved by billions globally, will feature in both men’s and women’s events in the T20 format, with six teams per gender vying for gold.
But this won’t be cricket’s first Olympic appearance. That happened long ago — in Paris, 1900.
Cricket’s Forgotten Debut, Paris 1900
Cricket was played in the Olympics only once before, at the 1900 Paris Games. The match featured just two teams:
Great Britain, represented by the Devon & Somerset Wanderers
France, represented by the French Athletic Club Union
Held over two days (August 19–20), the British side won by a massive margin of 158 runs.
Match Recap:
Event: Men’s Cricket (2-day match)
Date: August 19–20, 1900
Venue: Vélodrome de Vincennes, Paris
Result: Great Britain def. France by 158 runs
Medals: Great Britain (Gold), France (Silver), no bronze awarded
After 1900, cricket never returned to the Olympic fold, until now.
LA 2028, A New Chapter Begins
In 2028, cricket will make its modern Olympic return in a format suited for global audiences, T20 internationals, known for their pace and entertainment value.
Start Date: July 12, 2028
Venue: Temporary stadium in Pomona, California
Format: Six men’s teams and six women’s teams
Finals: July 20 (Women’s), July 29 (Men’s)
The USA will qualify automatically as host nation, while top-ranked cricket nations like India, Australia, and England are expected to secure the other slots.
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Legends React
Virat Kohli hailed the move:
“To be Olympic champions would be an absolutely magnificent feeling.”
Sachin Tendulkar called it a golden opportunity:
“This will open the doors for the sport and inspire new talent worldwide.”
Why It Matters
Cricket’s inclusion is not just symbolic — it’s strategic. With more than 2.5 billion fans worldwide, especially in South Asia, the sport is expected to bring in massive viewership, new sponsors, and global engagement.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sees cricket as a key tool to expand its reach into untapped markets.
From a two-team match in Paris to a global showdown in LA, cricket’s Olympic journey is about to restart and this time, the world is watching.
Also read : Six Teams And 180 Players: Schedule For Cricket At LA Olympics 2028 Announced As India Eye New Sporting Honours At The Summer Games https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/six-teams-and-180-players-schedule-for-cricket-at-la-olympics-2028-announced-as-india-eye-new-sporting-honours-at-the-summer-games
