Cricket’s Olympic Comeback: ICC Celebrates LA28 Venue Announcement at Pomona Fairgrounds
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed immense delight over the recent announcement naming the Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, as the official venue for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28). This marks a historic moment for the sport, which is set to return to the Olympic stage after a staggering 128 years.
The cricket competition at LA28 will showcase six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories, promising a thrilling display of talent in the fast-paced T20 format. This format, known for its explosive action and shorter duration, is seen as a perfect vehicle to captivate new audiences and elevate cricket’s global appeal.
ICC Chair Jay Shah shared his enthusiasm about the venue confirmation, emphasizing the significance of this milestone. “We are thrilled with the announcement of the venue for cricket at Los Angeles 2028. This is a pivotal step in preparing for our sport’s grand return to the Olympics,” Shah stated. He further highlighted the potential of the T20 format to break traditional boundaries, adding, “Cricket is already a hugely popular sport, but its inclusion in the Olympics in this exciting format offers a fantastic opportunity to reach new fans worldwide. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to LA28 and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their unwavering support, and I eagerly look forward to collaborating with them and ICC Members to ensure cricket’s resounding success at the Games.”
Cricket’s Olympic journey is a tale of rarity and revival. The sport made its sole appearance at the Paris Games in 1900, where Great Britain clinched the gold medal in a match against France. Its reintroduction to the Olympic roster was confirmed during an IOC meeting in Mumbai in October 2023, a decision that sparked widespread excitement among cricket enthusiasts globally. At LA28, cricket will join five other new sports—baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash—adding to the diversity and dynamism of the Games.
The choice of the T20 format for LA28 aligns with the ICC’s vision to promote cricket’s growth on a global scale. This format has already proven its appeal in other multi-sport events, such as the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023, which featured both men’s and women’s T20 competitions. Additionally, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games hosted a successful women’s T20 tournament, further demonstrating the format’s ability to engage diverse audiences.
The Pomona Fairgrounds, with its expansive facilities and capacity to host large crowds, is poised to become a fitting stage for cricket’s Olympic resurgence. Located just 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, the venue is expected to undergo tailored modifications to meet international cricket standards, ensuring a world-class experience for players and spectators alike.
As preparations for LA28 gain momentum, the global cricket community eagerly anticipates witnessing history in the making. With the sport’s return to the Olympics after over a century, this event promises to be a landmark moment, blending cricket’s rich heritage with the unparalleled prestige of the Olympic Games. The ICC, under Jay Shah’s leadership, remains committed to making this a defining chapter in cricket’s illustrious story.