• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Men's and women's T20 cricket, squash, baseball/softball, flag football and lacrosse (sixes) have been officially inducted as additional sports for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday.

The Olympic Programme Commission (OPC) and Executive Board (EB) of the IOC assessed and endorsed the five sports that the LA28 Organising Committee submitted as a package for their edition of the Games only.

IOC president Thomas Bach made the announcement of cricket's inclusion along with other sport after the recommendation of the Executive Board was put to vote through raise of hands.

ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar's Scathing Take On Pakistan After Crushing Defeat Against India

“The choice of these five new sports is in line with the American sports culture and will showcase iconic American sports to the world, while bringing international sports to the United States. These sports will make the Olympic Games LA28 unique,” Bach said.

“Their inclusion will allow the Olympic Movement to engage with new athlete and fan communities in the US and globally," he added.

The massive following of cricket in India, the world's most populous nation, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) supporting the ICC in its Olympic bid also went a long way in securing a spot in the LA28 programme.

It was only in 2021 that the BCCI changed its stance to back the game's inclusion in the Summer Games after years of opposition fearing a threat to its autonomy.

Italy's Olympic champion shooter, Niccolo Campriani, who is the sports director at LA28, referred to Indian superstar Virat Kohli's popularity while making the pitch to the IOC here.

ALSO READ: 'It's Not Just Cricket That Afghanistan Are Playing For'

Reflecting on the news, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay commented, "We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today. To have the opportunity to showcase our great sport at the LA28 Games and hopefully many Olympic Games to come will be great for players and fans alike.

“I’d like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and for their trust in our organization’s ability to deliver a world-class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world. The fact that the IOC confirmation of our selection occurred here in Mumbai, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, is truly icing on the cake. The innings has just begun, and we can't wait to see where this incredible journey leads.”

(With PTI inputs)