The popularity of Virat Kohli and his influence on fans around the world was a key factor in the International Olympic Committee’s decision to accept the proposal of bringing cricket back to the Olympics after 128 years.
On 16 October 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accepted the proposal from the LA Local Organising Committee (LALOG), which earlier had been proposed by the ICC, to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Cricket will be played in the T20 format in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Along with cricket (men’s and women’s T20s), four other new sports – Baseball, flag football, Lacrosse, and squash – were recommended as a package by LA LOCOG, which was approved by the IOC’s executive board.
The director of LA LOCOG, Niccolo Campriani, said that the T20 format “is making the game fast, full of action and appealing to the younger crowd”.
Campriani also acknowledged the influence and reach of Indian superstar cricketer Virat Kohli.
“We are thrilled to welcome the world’s second-most popular sport with an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide, We all recognise the critical importance of a strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth. And cricket is offering a unique platform to do so,” Campriani said.
“Think [about] my friend here Virat Kohli. He’s the third-most followed athlete in the world on social media with 314 million followers. That’s more than LeBron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined. This is the ultimate win-win for LA 28.”
Virat Kohli is unarguably the biggest name currently in world cricket, having a gigantic following from fans across the globe. He’s a global icon and an inspiration for the youth.
About cricket in LA28, both men’s and women’s competitions will be played among 6 teams. In its proposal to LA28, the ICC said that the six teams would be shortlisted based on the T20I rankings at a cut-off date.
Has cricket ever played in Olympics?
Yes, cricket has been played only once in the Olympics: in 1900 Paris Games. Only one match happened – between Great Britain and France with Great Britain winning the match and bagging the Gold Medal while France were handed the Silver Medal.
IOC member Nita Ambani, who owns the Mumbai Indians franchise, said: “The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics will create deeper engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographies. And at the same time, provides a boost to cricket’s growing international popularity.”
