A Global Game Returns to the Olympics

At a recent meeting in Mumbai, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the addition of five new sports to the 2028 Summer Olympics. While the U.S. focused on the inclusion of flag football, lacrosse, and the return of baseball and softball, a different sport stole the spotlight on the global stage: cricket.

After more than a century since its only Olympic appearance at the 1900 Paris Games, cricket is making its return in the Los Angeles Games. The 2028 Olympics will see six men's teams and six women's teams compete in this beloved sport. For passionate followers in cricket-obsessed nations like India and Pakistan, this decision is seen as a long-awaited recognition of the sport's importance. Meanwhile, those unfamiliar with cricket might find this the perfect opportunity to explore the intricate world of wickets and bowling.

With an estimated 2.5 billion fans, cricket ranks as the second-most popular sport globally, trailing only football. However, the majority of these fans are concentrated in a few cricket-loving regions, particularly the Indian subcontinent.

The upcoming Olympics offer cricket a platform to broaden its audience while providing the IOC with a chance to engage a loyal fanbase that might not have otherwise tuned into the Games. During a press conference, Bach noted the growing global significance of cricket, emphasising that the Olympic Games aim to include and celebrate the world's most popular sports.