The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a significant stride towards including T20 cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In a pivotal decision during its executive board meeting held in Mumbai, the IOC has given a nod to the recommendation. A final verdict will emerge from the IOC's 'Session', scheduled between October 14 to 16 in Mumbai.
This encouraging move comes after the LA28 local organizing committee suggested the inclusion of five sports into the 2028 Olympic Games. Apart from cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash have been pitched as potential new entrants to enhance the Olympic experience in Los Angeles.
Thomas Bach, the IOC president, highlighted the compatibility of these five sports with the LA28's core ethos during a media interaction on Friday. He expressed confidence that their addition would resonate with the spirit of the Games.
"These proposals have been accepted as a package by the IOC executive board taking into consideration that these proposals and these sports are fully in line with the sports culture of our host in '28, with the American sports culture," Bach said.
"They will showcase iconic American sports to the world while bringing at the same time international sports to the United States. The inclusion will, on the other hand, allow the Olympics to engage with new athletes and fan communities in the US and globally," he added.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), advocating for the inclusion of cricket, proposed a six-team T20 competition for both genders. The eligibility for participation would be based on the top-six positions in the ICC's men's and women's T20 rankings, assessed at a specific cut-off date. Their proposition for the T20 format aligns with the criteria set by both LA28 and the IOC. It ensures the format has an associated world championship, guaranteeing global relevance (thus eliminating the T10 format). Additionally, its concise duration makes it apt for the Olympic setting (making ODIs unsuitable), and its undeniable appeal promises substantial viewer engagement.
Cricket has only made a single appearance in the Olympic Games' history, back in 1900, with Great Britain clinching the gold medal.
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