Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
This historic event is a realization of a century-old dream, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for cricket and the Olympic Games.
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In India, where cricket is considered a religion, the sport’s return to the Olympic fold after over a century-long hiatus was heartily welcomed. Everyone lauded the IOC decision, from fans and celebrated athletes to Bollywood superstars. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics has been a dream for many, and now it seems that dream will finally become a reality.
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Cricket was a part of the 1900 Olympics in Paris with only two teams – one from Great Britain and one from France – competing for medals. Since then, however, the sport, despite its immense popularity worldwide, has not featured in the Olympic program.
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Alongside baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, cricket was one of the five additional sports proposed by the LA28 Organising Committee for inclusion at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Cricket’s entry to LA28 was formalized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at Monday’s 141st IOC Session in Mumbai.
Its journey back to the Olympics 2028 was a long and arduous one. The International Cricket Council (ICC), along with the support of many cricketing nations, worked diligently to address the concerns that led to its exclusion in the first place. Key concerns included the length of the matches and the need for dedicated cricket facilities.
In response to these challenges, a shorter format of the game, known as T20 cricket, was introduced. T20 matches, with their fast-paced and entertaining nature, made cricket more compatible with the Olympics’ schedule and time constraints. Furthermore, investments were made to create modern cricket stadiums that could meet the standards set by the International Olympic Committee.
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Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a massive following in countries like India, Pakistan, England, Australia, and many others. Its presence in the Olympics will add a new layer of global diversity and viewership to the Games. It would attract an even larger global audience, drawing in the dedicated cricket fans who may not typically tune in to the Olympics. This expansion of viewership could translate into increased revenue and sponsorship opportunities for the Olympics.
One of the most remarkable aspects of cricket is the emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play, often referred to as the “spirit of cricket.” The values of integrity, respect, and teamwork are deeply ingrained in the sport. The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics is an opportunity to inspire a new generation of athletes. Young cricketers from all corners of the globe will dream of representing their countries in the Olympic Games. This dream will drive them to work hard, stay disciplined, and excel in their chosen sport, thus promoting gender equality in sports.
