POMONA, Calif. (Diya TV) — Cricket will make its long-awaited Olympic comeback at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, ending a 128-year gap. The International Olympic Committee confirmed cricket’s return last year, and now the full LA28 competition schedule is live. Matches will begin on July 12, 2028, at the Fairplex in Pomona, a venue rich in California history.
This marks cricket’s first Olympic appearance since Paris 1900. That event featured only one match, a two-day contest between Great Britain and France. Britain won the gold, but the game is now seen more as an unofficial Test than a modern Olympic event.
Now, cricket is returning in a completely new format. The T20 version, known for its fast-paced action and global popularity, will have separate men’s and women’s tournaments. Each tournament will include six teams. A total of 90 athletes per gender will participate, with each team allowed to choose a 15-member squad.
Every match will take place in a temporary, custom-built stadium at the Fairplex grounds in Pomona. This site, about 50 kilometers from downtown Los Angeles, has hosted the Los Angeles County Fair since 1922. The venue will transform into a world-class cricket arena for the duration of the Games.
The inclusion of cricket in LA28 highlights the sport’s growing global appeal. T20 cricket has gained popularity in recent multi-sport events. It debuted at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 for men and returned in 2022 with a women’s tournament. Cricket also appeared in the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023, further solidifying its place on the international stage.
LA28 organizers hope cricket will attract strong interest, especially from fans in countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, and England. With its quick format, T20 cricket is expected to engage new audiences and add a unique rhythm to the Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee’s decision to add cricket was not made in isolation. In 2023, the IOC also approved the return of baseball and softball and welcomed three new sports: flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. These additions are meant to make the Games more exciting and relevant for a new generation of fans.
Squash, another new Olympic sport, will begin on July 15 at the Universal City Squash Center. Its medal matches will be held on July 23 and 24, showcasing emerging athletic talent from around the world.
Back in Pomona, the cricket venue will symbolize tradition meeting innovation. Though temporary, the stadium is expected to be fully equipped to handle international crowds, broadcasting needs, and world-class gameplay. This setup allows organizers to maintain Olympic standards while introducing a sport with deep cultural roots and modern energy.
