LA 2028 Olympics to Feature Cricket’s Grand Return Starting July 12

Charlie Reynolds — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:20:18 +0000

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

County Ground

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.

Also Read: BWF Japan Open 2025: Key Details, Prize Money, And Top Seeds

West Indies Gear Up for T20 Clash with South Africa

Vishwajeet Jaiswal — Mon, 20 May 2024 11:37:22 +0000

The upcoming T20 series between West Indies and South Africa, starting May 24th, will see a fresh guard lead the Windies. With several established players busy in the IPL playoffs, the mantle of captaincy falls on the young shoulders of batsman Brandon King. This series serves as a crucial stepping stone in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, offering a golden opportunity for fringe players to make their mark and potentially secure a coveted spot in the main squad.

A Platform for Fringe Players: Filling the Gaps and Building Momentum

The absence of star players like Rovman Powell and Kyle Mayers due to their IPL commitments creates an exciting vacuum for others to step up. The West Indies selectors view this series as a springboard for fringe players to showcase their talent and potentially force their way into the World Cup squad. The recent high-intensity training camp in Antigua, coupled with the competitive environment provided by this series, is seen as a potent combination for the team to gel and build much-needed momentum before the global showpiece. Coach Daren Sammy acknowledges the lack of recent game time as a team but expresses confidence that the team’s focused training will translate into strong performances on the field.

Experience Meets Youth: A Blend of Stability and Explosiveness

The West Indies squad for the series reflects a conscious effort to strike a balance between experience and youthful exuberance. Shamar Joseph, who impressed with his bowling spell in the Test series against Australia, finds himself included alongside seasoned campaigners like Jason Holder and Andre Fletcher. This strategic selection ensures a strong core of experienced players who can provide stability and guidance, while also offering a platform for young talents like King and Joseph to showcase their skills and potentially become permanent fixtures in the national setup.

Also Read: Warm-Up Matches Announced for T20 World Cup 2024

South Africa Faces Similar Situation: Experimentation Before the World Cup

South Africa, too, will be missing some of their key players due to the ongoing IPL season. Regular captain Aiden Markram, currently representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, will be absent, with the leadership baton being passed on to Rassie van der Dussen. Much like the West Indies, this series presents a valuable opportunity for South Africa to experiment with different player combinations and solidify their strategies before the World Cup. Both teams will be aiming to utilize this series to identify their strengths and weaknesses, iron out any chinks in their armor, and refine their playing styles in a competitive environment.

A Crucial Final Test Before the Big Dance

This T20 series holds immense significance for both West Indies and South Africa, acting as the last litmus test before the T20 World Cup. It provides a chance for both sides to assess their current form, identify areas for improvement, and solidify their final team compositions for the prestigious global tournament. While the series serves as a platform for fringe players to make a lasting impression, it also gives established players an opportunity to refine their skills and regain their competitive edge. With both teams missing some of their key players, the series promises to be a display of raw talent and an exciting glimpse into the future of these two cricketing giants.

Also Read: India’s New Head Coach: The Race to Replace Dravid

A Stage Set for Exciting Encounters

The T20 series between West Indies and South Africa promises to be a thrilling spectacle. With a new captain at the helm and a mix of experienced and young players eager to prove their worth, the West Indies will be looking to make a strong statement. South Africa, under the leadership of van der Dussen, will be aiming to assert their dominance and showcase their World Cup credentials. This series holds the potential to become a battleground for emerging talents and a crucial testing ground for both teams in their quest for T20 World Cup glory. Cricket fans around the world can expect a display of explosive batting, exceptional bowling, and nail-biting finishes as both teams strive to secure victory and gain valuable momentum before the biggest stage in T20 cricket.

T20 cricket – Sporting Scroll