The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently approved five new sports for the 2028 Summer Games during a session in Mumbai. While the U.S. focused on the inclusion of sports like flag football, and lacrosse, and the comeback of baseball and softball, the global spotlight shone brightly on cricket.
Cricket, a bat-and-ball sport tracing its origins to the 18th century, is making a return to the Olympics after a hiatus since its singular appearance in 1900 in Paris. Slated for the Los Angeles Games, this addition comprises six teams each for men and women. This move has sparked joy among enthusiasts from cricket-centric nations like India and Pakistan and also offers a new avenue for those unfamiliar with the sport. Although cricket might not rival lacrosse or baseball’s popularity in the U.S., the local cricketing community is significant and growing.
So why cricket, and why now? Thomas Bach, the IOC president, dubbed this addition a “win-win.” Boasting an estimated 2.5 billion followers, cricket stands second only to soccer in global popularity. But its fans are predominantly from a select few nations, particularly the Indian subcontinent. Incorporating cricket into the Olympics not only broadens the sport’s horizon but also introduces the Olympics to a new, dedicated viewership. Bach emphasized the IOC’s goal to embrace globally popular sports.
The resurgence of cricket in the Olympics is attributed partly to the emergence of the Twenty20 (T20) format – a concise, action-packed iteration where matches last just a few hours. The format’s popularity skyrocketed with the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2007, which evolved into one of the most profitable sports leagues globally. Following suit, other nations, including the U.S., have launched their T20 leagues.
A major draw for the Olympic organizers is the significant financial prospects. With India being cricket’s epicenter and its Olympics 2028 broadcasting rights still up for grabs, cricket’s inclusion could elevate the rights’ value by a staggering $100 million.
Discussing cricket’s U.S. footprint, USA Cricket states that around 200,000 individuals play in over 400 local leagues. However, a whopping 10 to 20 million Americans are estimated to be cricket aficionados, largely attributed to immigration patterns from cricket-loving nations.
Despite the U.S. national teams not being in the top echelons currently, many are optimistic about the potential boost the Olympic inclusion might provide. The Olympic qualifiers for cricket are set to be unveiled in 2025.
Cricket’s addition to the Olympics has been in the pipeline for several years, with many officials deeming it crucial. The IOC’s decision has been heralded as the start of an exhilarating phase for the sport. With the potential to expand the sport’s scope, especially for women’s cricket, many see this as a monumental step for a game centuries-old yet persistently popular. As Srinivasan noted, the Olympics could amplify cricket’s presence beyond its traditional bastions, heralding immense prospects for both the men’s and women’s versions.