Cricket is set to make a historic return to the Olympic Games at LA 2028, marking the sport’s first appearance in the Olympics after a 128-year break. The tournament will begin on July 12, 2028, and run until July 29, with both men’s and women’s T20 competitions on display.

Cricket’s only previous outing at the Olympics was in 1900 during the Paris Games, where just two teams, Great Britain and France, competed in a single two-day match. Great Britain won the gold then, but since that time, cricket has not been part of the Olympic program. The LA 2028 Games will see the sport back in a much more modern and dynamic format.

Everything About Cricket At LA 2028

At LA 2028, the cricket competition will feature six teams each for men and women, making a total of 12 teams. Each team will have a 15-player squad, meaning 90 athletes per gender will participate. The format will be Twenty20 (T20), which is a shorter, fast-paced version of the game that has gained widespread popularity globally. This makes it well-suited to the Olympic schedule and to attracting a broad international audience.

The matches will be played at a temporary stadium built at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, California, about 50 kilometers from Los Angeles. The venue has a long history of hosting a variety of events and will be specially adapted to accommodate the cricket tournament.

LA 2028 Schedule

The cricket event will start two days before the official opening of the Olympics, with the women’s competition kicking off on July 12. The men’s competition will begin on July 22. Medal matches are scheduled for July 20 for the women’s teams and July 29 for the men’s teams. Most matchdays will feature double headers, with games starting at 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM local time (which converts to 9:30 PM and 7:00 AM Indian Standard Time). Notably, no matches will be played on July 14 and 21, allowing rest days and tournament transitions.

Why It Matters

Cricket’s inclusion reflects a growing acceptance of the sport on the international multi-sport stage, with support from the International Cricket Council and backing from countries where cricket is popular, such as India, Australia, England, and South Africa. The T20 format, being short and exciting, fits the Olympic ethos of fast-paced, viewer-friendly sports.

The USA has been preparing for this moment by promoting cricket domestically and hosting international events recently, such as parts of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The LA 2028 Games will be a significant milestone, offering cricket a global spotlight and giving both men’s and women’s teams a chance to compete for Olympic medals, for the first time in well over a century.

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In a thrilling moment during the ongoing first Test match between India and England in Hyderabad, Indian spinner Axar Patel delivered an unplayable ball that left England’s Jonny Bairstow completely stunned. The delivery, a classic left-arm spinner’s masterstroke, pitched on the middle stump and sharply spun to hit the top of the off-stump. Bairstow, who was well-settled at 37, found himself without an answer to the spinning marvel and was subsequently bowled out.

The dismissal proved to be a crucial breakthrough for India, as Bairstow had been looking in good form and posed a threat to build a substantial partnership with other English batsmen.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁. 𝗪𝗮𝘀. 𝗔. 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁! ⚡️ ⚡️@akshar2026 with his first wicket of the match 👏 👏

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/HGTxXf8b1E#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/liBwODtcrM

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 25, 2024

The ongoing Test match has witnessed intense competition, with England winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, the English side was bowled out for 246 runs in their first innings, primarily due to the impressive performance of India’s spinners, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

In response, India finished day one at 119 runs for the loss of one wicket. The second day saw India seize control of the game, with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja scoring half-centuries, leading India to a first-innings lead of 175 runs.

The Test match is the first in a five-match series between India and England, attracting keen attention from cricket enthusiasts globally. With remarkable performances from both teams, the match promises to be an exciting contest in the upcoming days. Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating more such thrilling moments as the series unfolds.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has offered a candid and blunt assessment of the contemporary game of cricket, particularly highlighting the changing dynamics between batters and bowlers. Known for his express pace and aggressive approach during his playing days, Akhtar shared his thoughts on the transformation of the sport, especially in the context of the present era.

In a recent interview, Akhtar stated, “Thank god I’m not playing in this era! The way the batters insult bowlers these days, I wouldn’t have tolerated that.” His remarks underscore the evolving nature of cricket, emphasizing the increased assertiveness of batters, particularly in the context of the growing popularity of T20 cricket and the proliferation of franchise leagues.

Akhtar’s candid commentary comes at a time when cricket is witnessing significant changes, driven by the rise of T20 franchise leagues and the expanding influence of the shortest format of the game. The legendary fast bowler’s observations provide a unique perspective on the shifting dynamics and priorities within the sport, reflecting the impact of these developments on the traditional equilibrium between batters and bowlers.

The interview, conducted on the sidelines of the ILT20 in Dubai, served as a platform for Akhtar to share his insights on the contemporary landscape of cricket. His remarks offer thought-provoking commentary on the evolving nature of the sport and the challenges and opportunities it presents for players, both past and present.

Akhtar’s straightforward assessment has ignited discussions within the cricketing community, prompting reflection on the evolving dynamics between batters and bowlers and the broader implications of these changes for the sport. His comments provide a compelling perspective on the transformations taking place in cricket and the enduring impact of these shifts on the game.

In a bold proposal, West Indies cricketer Jason Holder has called for a transformative “football model” to breathe new life into Test cricket. Holder emphasizes the critical need for a dedicated international window for Test matches, citing concerns over the current financial struggles faced by players who are lured by the more lucrative world of franchise cricket.

Expressing apprehensions about the existing state of Test cricket, Holder has put forward the idea of establishing a minimum wage in Test cricket. His proposal aims to provide financial incentives for players, reinforcing the value of Test matches amidst the ever-expanding landscape of franchise-based cricket tournaments.

Holder’s comments shed light on the dilemma faced by players who grapple with the choice between representing their nations in Test cricket and participating in financially rewarding franchise leagues. The West Indies cricketer’s visionary approach underscores the pressing need for strategic measures to reinvigorate Test cricket, ensuring its sustainability and enduring appeal in the global cricketing arena.

Holder’s insightful remarks have triggered widespread discussions within the cricketing community, prompting deliberations on the future trajectory of Test cricket and potential strategies to safeguard its significance. As stakeholders contemplate the proposed “football model,” the cricketing world awaits potential developments that could reshape the landscape of international Test matches.

India’s batter, Shreyas Iyer, was conspicuous by his absence in the recent T20I series against Afghanistan. The rumor mill suggested that Iyer’s absence was due to disciplinary reasons. Still, no concrete information was available until former India head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed the same in a press conference.

Rahul Dravid Speaks

Rahul Dravid, who has been involved with the Indian team for an extended period, revealed that Iyer’s absence resulted from disciplinary reasons. He further elaborated that there were “a lot of batters” in the team who were being given opportunities to perform. This statement suggests that Iyer’s absence was not due to a lack of form or injury, but rather due to disciplinary issues that led to him being sidelined for the Afghanistan series. “There were absolutely no disciplinary reasons for his noninclusion. It’s just that he missed out. There are a lot of batters in the team and I think Shreyas Iyer missed out. He did not play the T20Is in South Africa as well. It is unfortunate because he is a fine player but there are a lot of batters and it is not easy to fit everyone in the squad and the playing XI. So, no disciplinary reasons at all,” Dravid said.

Impact on Team India

As a player known for his all-round abilities and ability to adapt to different situations, Iyer’s absence left the team short of a key player who could play a significant difference in the match. Despite Iyer’s absence, the series served as an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talents. Players like Sanju Samson are being given opportunities in Iyer’s absence, who is considered more than capable of filling the void left by Iyer. In conclusion, Shreyas Iyer’s absence in the Afghanistan T20Is was not due to disciplinary reasons, according to former India head coach Rahul Dravid.