Cricket returning to T20 after 128 years: 6-6 teams in LA 2028 Olympics, schedule released
cket’s Historic Comeback at the Olympics
Cricket is officially returning to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles after a 128-year absence. The sport was last featured in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where England played against France in a two-day match and England won the gold medal. This time, cricket will make its Olympic debut in the full T20 format, which is faster-paced and highly popular among global audiences.
T20 Format and Tournament Structure
The IOC has adopted the T20 format for both men’s and women’s competitions, making the sport fast, exciting, and easy to fit into the Olympic schedule. Six teams each will participate in both categories, with each team consisting of 15 players, totaling 180 athletes (90 men + 90 women).
Full Tournament Schedule
- Opening matches: July 12, 2028
- Group Stage: July 12–18 and July 22–28
- Rest Days: July 14 and July 21
- Medal Matches:
- Women’s final (gold medal): July 20
- Men’s final (gold medal): July 29
- Match Times (Local LA Time): 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM
- Match Times (Indian Standard Time): 9:30 PM and 7:00 AM
Venue: Fairplex, Pomona
All matches will take place at the Fairgrounds Stadium (Fairplex) in Pomona, California—located approximately 50 km from Los Angeles. This purpose-built temporary stadium has been constructed specifically for Olympic cricket.
Team Participation
- Six teams per gender category
- 15 players in each team, totaling 180 players
- Teams will qualify based on ICC rankings or through qualifying tournaments, though the exact qualification process is still being finalized.
🇺🇸 Growing Cricket Popularity in the USA
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics aligns with the sport’s rising popularity in the United States. Notably, matches during the 2024 T20 World Cup in Grand Prairie (Texas), Lodderhills (Florida), and New York showcased this growing fanbase. The return of cricket to the Olympic stage reflects this momentum—capturing the interest of modern fans and enthusiastic new audiences.
Importance of Cricket in the Olympics
- Global Expansion: Olympic inclusion offers cricket a chance to reach millions of new viewers. With an estimated global TV and digital audience of over three billion for LA 2028, it provides a golden opportunity to expand beyond traditional cricket nations.
- Women’s Empowerment: It will be the first time women’s cricket competes for Olympic medals—enhancing visibility, inspiring young female athletes, and attracting sponsors.
- Celebration of Cricket Culture: The fast and thrilling T20 format aligns perfectly with the glamour of the Olympics. It gives the BCCI, ICC, and various leagues a platform to grow their fanbase and connect with the Olympic audience. The IOC envisions cricket as part of a true “global movement.”
These factors indicate that cricket’s inclusion in LA 2028 will not only elevate the sport’s reach but also inject new energy, diversity, and financial opportunities into the Olympic movement.
🇮🇳 India’s Hopes
Indian cricket fans are optimistic for Olympic gold. Both the men’s and women’s teams are strong contenders, supported by recent performances in Asian Games and ICC events. This move is also a matter of great pride for Indian cricket.
India’s Olympic ambitions are sky-high, and cricket’s return in LA 2028 adds renewed momentum. India enters the Games as reigning T20 World Cup champions (2024) and Champions Trophy winners (2025) , establishing it as a gold-medal favorite. The women’s team, ranked third in both ODI and T20 formats, has earned silver at the Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2022 Asian Games . Their undefeated T20 series victory over England in 2025, including historic wins at Old Trafford, further cements their status . With top-tier athletes, strong administration, and prior multi-sport success, India is poised for Olympic glory in both men’s and women’s cricket—raising hopes of adding a prestigious new chapter to its Olympic legacy.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | T20 (6 men’s + 6 women’s teams) |
| Start Date | July 12, 2028 |
| Rest Days | July 14 & 21 |
| Women’s Final | July 20 |
| Men’s Final | July 29 |
| LA Match Times | 9:00 AM & 6:30 PM |
| Indian Match Times | 9:30 PM & 7:00 AM |
| Venue | Fairgrounds Stadium, Pomona |
Cricket’s comeback to the Olympics has ignited excitement among players and fans, and signals a broader mission of the Olympics to connect with new nations, sports, and audiences.
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