After a gap of 128 years, cricket is officially rejoining the Olympic Games — with the full schedule now confirmed for Los Angeles 2028.

Historic Comeback Set for July 12–29, 2028, in Los Angeles

Cricket is officially making a comeback at the Olympic Games after a historic gap of 128 years.Cricket will make its long-awaited return at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where both men’s and women’s teams will compete in the high-energy T20 format known for its pace and excitement.The matches will run from July 12 to July 29, 2028, bringing the gentleman’s game back onto the Olympic stage after more than a century.

When Was Cricket Last Played in the Olympics?

The only previous appearance of cricket in the Olympic Games was in 1900 in Paris, not 1897 (a common reporting error).

• Back then, the competition saw participation from just two nations: France and Great Britain.
• Since then, cricket has been absent from the Olympics due to its limited global reach and scheduling conflicts.
• The LA 2028 edition will thus mark the first multi-team cricket tournament in Olympic history, making it a landmark moment for the sport.

Match Format and Team Participation

The version of cricket being played in LA 2028 will be Twenty20 — the game’s fastest and most viewer-friendly format, ideal for engaging a worldwide audience.

Key Format Details:

• Men’s and Women’s Tournaments will be held separately.
• Each category will include 6 teams, making a total of 12 teams across the two events.
• Each team will consist of 15 players.
• The exact teams are yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that top-ranked ICC nations like India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand will be among the participants.

This compact format is designed to fit well within the Olympic schedule while offering maximum entertainment and competitive spirit.

Full Schedule: Dates and Medal Matches

According to the newly released official schedule:

Tournament Duration: July 12 to July 29, 2028

Medal Matches:

• Women’s Final: July 20, 2028
• Men’s Final: July 29, 2028

Match Timings (Local Time):

• Morning Match: 9:00 AM
• Evening Match: 6:30 PM

These timings are set to capture both local and international audiences, especially fans across South Asia, the UK, and Australia.

Venue: Temporary Stadium in Pomona, California

Every cricket match will take place in a custom-built, temporary stadium in Pomona, situated approximately 50 kilometers from central Los Angeles.

• The venue is part of the Pomona Fairgrounds, which will be upgraded with state-of-the-art cricketing facilities.
• The Olympic Committee has planned custom-built pitches, training nets, and seating to ensure a world-class experience for players and spectators.

This move demonstrates the growing influence of cricket in the United States and the efforts being made to globalize the sport.

Why Is Cricket Returning to the Olympics Now?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Cricket Council (ICC) have both expressed strong interest in expanding cricket’s global appeal.

Reasons for Cricket’s Return:

• Massive Global Fanbase: Cricket has over 2.5 billion fans, especially in South Asia, Australia, and the UK.
• T20 Format is Olympic-Friendly: Shorter duration and fast pace make it ideal for broadcasting.
• Commercial Potential: Huge advertising and sponsorship opportunities due to the involvement of cricket-loving nations.
• USA as a Growing Market: The US is increasingly interested in cricket, and LA 2028 provides the perfect entry point.

Expected Teams and Global Excitement

While the final list of participating countries will be decided by the ICC and LA 2028 Organizing Committee, the following teams are widely expected to qualify based on rankings and global appeal:

• The men’s T20 lineup at LA 2028 is expected to include cricketing powerhouses such as India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand.
• Women’s Teams: Australia, India, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan

Cricket boards across the globe are already preparing their Olympic squads, with each side expected to feature a mix of young talent and experienced stars.

What This Means for Cricket and the Olympics

This announcement is more than just a schedule—it’s a defining moment for the future of cricket and its presence on a global athletic stage.

Significance of the Return:

• Boosts Cricket’s Global Image: Olympic inclusion is a badge of international recognition.
• Inspires New Generations: Young athletes, especially in non-traditional cricket countries, will now see the sport as a legitimate Olympic dream.
• Strengthens T20 Cricket: Reinforces the growing dominance of the T20 format in international tournaments.

Final Thoughts

The return of cricket to the Olympic Games after 128 years is a game-changer—both for the Olympics and for cricket itself.Featuring fast-paced games, international teams, and a massive global fanbase, the LA 2028 Olympics is poised to mark a historic new era for the sport of cricket.

All eyes are now on Pomona, California, where cricket will roar back to life on the Olympic stage — louder, faster, and more global than ever before.