Cricket has seen a boom in popularity over the past few decades. The ever-increasing love for franchise leagues has driven it to the level of being the world’s second-most followed sport, trailing only after football. Surprisingly, over 100 countries worldwide regularly participate in this sport, and it finally made its long-awaited return to the Olympics after 128 years of absence.
In a decision reached during the 141st IOC Session on Monday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formally given cricket back to the Olympics for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, alongside baseball, softball, flag football, and lacrosse. It’s important to note that cricket’s entry will feature the shortest format of the game in LA28.
On Monday, October 16, 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a historic decision to include cricket in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, much to the pleasure of cricket aficionados worldwide. This move was part of a decision that also welcomed squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and flag football into the Olympic fold.
During the announcement, IOC President Thomas Bach noted that cricket’s inclusion was welcomed with overwhelming support, as only two of the 99 IOC members rejected the plan. This crucial step towards making cricket an Olympic sport was impacted by numerous key causes.
One of the main elements in this choice was the great popularity of cricket in India, the world’s most populous nation. The International Cricket Council (ICC) got strong backing from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in their attempt to bring cricket to the Olympics.
Niccolo Campriani, the Sports Director for LA28 and an Olympic champion shooter from Italy, passionately made a case for cricket’s inclusion. He underscored the enormous appeal of Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli, highlighting how his popularity represents the global devotion for the sport.
In this momentous step, the IOC acknowledged that cricket, especially in the vibrant T20 format, has the ability to fascinate spectators globally, and this move opens up a new chapter for cricket in the world of Olympic sports.
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LA 2028 Sports Director said, “Virat Kohli has 340 million social media followers, making him the 3rd most followed athlete, surpassing the combined numbers of LeBron, Tom Brady, and Woods.”
Not just in India but all across the world, Virat Kohli has a huge fan base. His admirers hold him in their hearts and take numerous acts after him. It’s reasonable to argue that Virat Kohli is a true cricket icon, and the IOC’s choice to capitalize on his name is an ingenious move to pique the curiosity of cricket fans all over the world.
