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Cricket’s Potential Inclusion in the 2028 Olympics
Cricket may soon embark on a new chapter in its storied history, as it stands among the nine sports competing for a coveted spot at the 2028 Olympics. Emerging as a strong contender, cricket has captured the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to its passionate fan base, as revealed by sources at The Indian Express.
The critical decision regarding these new inclusions will be made on October 15-16, immediately following the high-profile World Cup match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Over 100 IOC members will convene in Mumbai to cast their votes for the sports that will feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
A pivotal moment in this selection process will occur this week when the IOC’s influential Executive Board meets in Lausanne, Switzerland, on September 8. This board, led by IOC president Thomas Bach, will determine the sports program for the Los Angeles Olympics, with final ratification taking place during the IOC session in Mumbai.
While several sports are vying for a coveted spot in the Olympics, including flag football, karate, kickboxing, baseball-softball, lacrosse, breakdancing, squash, and motorsport, cricket has emerged as a front-runner, according to Michael Payne, a former IOC marketing and broadcast rights director with extensive experience in the organization.
Payne pointed to the “current cricket boom” in the United States, where major tech firms have invested heavily in the Major League. Additionally, he highlighted the 2032 Olympics being hosted in Brisbane, Australia, a nation where cricket holds a prominent position in the sporting landscape.
“In 2032, the Games are in Brisbane, Australia… there will be a local interest in cricket… And also from a business perspective, cricket is booming in America,” Payne emphasized. Casey Wasserman, the head of the Los Angeles organizing committee, possesses a keen business acumen and owns one of the world’s largest sports media groups, making him receptive to the potential of cricket’s inclusion.
Furthermore, the IOC recognizes the strategic importance of appealing to the massive cricket-loving Indian and South Asian fan base and tapping into the vast subcontinental market. Reports suggest that Indian broadcaster Viacom 18 secured Olympic broadcasting rights for approximately $31 million, including the Paris Games, whereas American network NBC committed a staggering $7.65 billion for a broadcasting deal spanning from 2021 to 2032.
Payne emphasized the need to strengthen the Olympic Games’ presence in regions such as India and Pakistan, where it has room to grow. He noted, “If you look at all the regions around the world, the one area where frankly the Olympic Games is not nearly as strong as elsewhere in the subcontinent, you know, India, Pakistan. And if you were to bring cricket onto the Olympic program, it would have a major impact.”
To add to this intrigue, India has also submitted a bid to host the Olympics in 2036, marking a potential milestone in the nation’s sporting history. While the selection process remains in its early stages, the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics could further elevate the sport’s global stature and significance.