Cricket in Olympics: Decision To Include Sport in LA 2028 Delayed

Los Angeles, September 8: The much-anticipated decision on the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has been temporarily delayed, as per a statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The meeting, which was intended to discuss this prospect, along with the potential inclusion of eight other sports, has been postponed due to ongoing discussions with the LA2028 Organising Committee.

"Due to ongoing discussions between the IOC and the (LA2028) Organising Committee, the Olympic Programme Commission has not yet had the opportunity to hold its meeting to prepare its final recommendation for the IOC Executive Board," the IOC said in a statement on Thursday (September 7) night.

"As a consequence, the sports programme for the Olympic Games LA28 will be discussed during a later IOC Executive Board meeting, to take place at a date to be decided."

Further Deliberation Needed

The delay in this significant decision means that the sports programme for the 2028 Olympics will be reviewed at a later date. The IOC's executive board consists of 15 individuals: IOC president Thomas Bach, four vice-presidents, and 10 other members.

Multiple Sports Eyeing Inclusion

Along with cricket, the board had intended to discuss the potential addition of multiple sports, including flag football, karate, kickboxing, baseball softball, lacrosse, breakdancing, squash, and motorsport.

Awaiting Ratification

If the board ultimately supports the inclusion of cricket, the decision will require a full approval or ratification during the IOC session in Mumbai next month. Despite the delay, the International Cricket Council (ICC) remains hopeful as per a report from Times of India.

Cricket's popularity in the US has been on the rise, as reflected in the successful Major League Cricket (MLC) earlier this year. The T-20 format is being considered the most suitable for the Olympics. The journey for cricket's inclusion in the Olympics has hit a slight roadblock but hopes for its debut in LA2028 remain high.