The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are set to make history by reintroducing cricket to the global Olympic stage after more than a century. Cricket, which last featured in the 1900 Paris Games, is now poised to make a powerful comeback. The announcement that Pomona, a vibrant suburb in Southern California, will host the cricket matches has created ripples of excitement not only among cricket lovers but also in the broader sporting community. This bold inclusion aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) ambition to diversify and globalize the Olympic experience. With only six nations participating in the event, every match will carry enormous weight, promising tight competition, strategic brilliance, and memorable moments. As this historic moment draws nearer, the world prepares to watch cricket take center stage on American soil—something that was unthinkable just a decade ago.
Why Pomona? Understanding the Venue Choice
Located about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, Pomona may not be the first city that comes to mind when one thinks of international cricket. However, its selection was strategic and meaningful. Known for its multicultural population, rich sporting infrastructure, and spacious venues, Pomona offers a unique blend of modern facilities and grassroots passion. The city’s Fairplex complex, traditionally used for exhibitions and horse racing, is being transformed into a temporary world-class cricket venue for the Olympics. Its proximity to Los Angeles ensures logistical convenience while also providing a culturally rich, cricket-curious crowd that includes large South Asian, Caribbean, and British diasporas. The decision underscores LA28’s vision of inclusivity and innovation, bringing the Olympics closer to local communities beyond the city core.
Slogan: “Pomona to Pitch – Cricket’s Comeback Begins!”
Cricket in the Olympics: A Century-Long Wait
The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics has generated an overwhelming response from fans, athletes, and sports historians. The sport made its lone appearance at the 1900 Paris Olympics in a single match between Great Britain and France. Since then, efforts to reintroduce cricket have been sporadic and often marred by administrative complexities and limited global representation. The growing influence of cricket in nations like India, Australia, the UK, Pakistan, and South Africa has now reignited global interest. The shorter T20 format—fast-paced, entertaining, and fan-friendly—made it easier to include in the compressed Olympic schedule. It’s also a strategic move aimed at tapping into cricket’s vast television viewership and enthusiastic youth following.
“Bringing cricket to the Olympics is a historic opportunity to unite the world through sport.” — Greg Barclay, ICC Chairman
What to Expect: The Six-Team Format Explained
The Olympic cricket tournament will follow a compact, high-stakes six-team format. Each team will compete in a round-robin style followed by knockout matches. While final confirmations are pending, likely contenders include India, Australia, England, Pakistan, South Africa, and the host nation, the USA. This structure ensures intense competition and makes every game crucial for advancement. The tournament is expected to take place over 8-10 days, packed with back-to-back matches to maintain the Olympic rhythm. This compactness ensures the event fits seamlessly into the broader Olympic schedule without compromising on entertainment or competitiveness.
Table: Likely Teams and ICC Rankings (as of April 2025)
| Country | ICC T20 Ranking | Past Olympic Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| India | 1 | None |
| Australia | 2 | None |
| England | 3 | 1 (1900) |
| Pakistan | 5 | None |
| South Africa | 4 | None |
| USA | 21 | None |
Why Cricket in the U.S. Makes Strategic Sense
Many wonder: why bring cricket to the U.S., a country with minimal cricketing history? The answer lies in America’s evolving demographics and market potential. The U.S. is home to over 5 million cricket fans, largely driven by its South Asian, Caribbean, and British communities. Additionally, the United States has launched Major League Cricket (MLC), an ambitious T20 tournament that debuted in 2023, indicating growing domestic interest. With the ICC’s vision to globalize the sport and tap into new markets, the U.S. represents fertile ground for cricket’s growth. Hosting the Olympic event in the U.S. brings immense visibility, commercial potential, and fan engagement opportunities. The decision also complements the U.S. and West Indies hosting the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, further laying the groundwork for Olympic cricket in 2028.
Slogan: “Cricket Comes Home – To a New Home!”
Infrastructure and Broadcast Strategy
The temporary cricket venue at the Pomona Fairplex is being designed with a seating capacity of around 15,000–20,000. The ground will feature advanced pitch conditions, digital scoreboards, fan zones, and global broadcasting setups. Major sports broadcasters like NBC, Star Sports, and Sky Sports are expected to collaborate for worldwide coverage. There will also be live streaming options across YouTube, Hotstar, and Peacock. This hybrid broadcasting strategy is meant to target both hardcore cricket audiences and curious new viewers. Social media campaigns by the IOC and ICC will also play a crucial role in building hype ahead of the event. Every effort is being made to ensure that this Olympic cricket event is both visually stunning and logistically seamless.
Chart: Projected Viewership Comparison
- Olympic Cricket: 1.2 billion projected viewers
- MLB Baseball Finals: 30 million
- NBA Finals: 60 million
- FIFA World Cup Final: 1.5 billion
Economic Impact and Tourism Boost
The inclusion of cricket in the LA28 Olympics is expected to provide a significant economic boost to Pomona and surrounding regions. With thousands of international visitors, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses are preparing for a tourism influx. According to estimates by Visit California, Olympic events can inject over $1 billion into the local economy. Moreover, the presence of cricket fans from cricket-strong countries such as India, Australia, and the UK will promote cross-cultural exchange and broaden California’s global sports profile. Local employment will also benefit, with temporary roles in event management, hospitality, security, and transportation services. It’s not just a sporting event—it’s a cultural and economic milestone for Southern California.
Slogan: “Bowled Over by Business: Cricket Boosts California!”
Questions & Answers: Everything You Need to Know
Q1: Why was Pomona selected to host Olympic cricket?
A: Pomona offers modern infrastructure, cultural diversity, and logistical convenience, making it a perfect venue for Olympic-level cricket.
Q2: How many teams will compete in the 2028 Olympic cricket event?
A: Six teams will participate in a round-robin followed by a knockout format.
Q3: Will the cricket format be T20 or Test?
A: The event will feature the T20 format for its pace and compatibility with the Olympic schedule.
Q4: Is this the first time the USA is hosting international cricket?
A: No. The USA is co-hosting the 2024 T20 World Cup and has previously hosted T20 leagues, but this is its first Olympic cricket event.
Looking Forward: A New Era for Cricket
The reintroduction of cricket in the 2028 Olympics represents more than a sporting revival—it symbolizes the sport’s global resurgence and growing popularity. Hosting matches in Pomona adds a layer of authenticity and inclusiveness to the LA28 mission. For fans, this moment is an emotional reconnection with cricket’s past, and a thrilling look into its Olympic future. The anticipation is palpable, and for players, it’s a chance to earn the ultimate honor: an Olympic medal. As cricket prepares to enter the Olympic spotlight once again, the world will witness history in the making—from Pomona’s pitch to global glory.
“This is not just about cricket; it’s about the Olympic spirit embracing the world’s second-most popular sport.” — Casey Wasserman, Chairperson, LA28
Slogan: “From Bat to Podium – Cricket’s Olympic Dream Returns!”
es in six-team event
