Cricket will grandly return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, closing a 128-year gap. It last appeared at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris, where the sole competition was between France and Great Britain in one men's match. Great Britain took the gold medal in what is now regarded as an unofficial Test.

Following the Paris 2024 Games, talks were held on incorporating cricket in the following Olympic edition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) collaborated to reintroduce the sport. Cricket's inclusion was formally ratified in 2023 for LA28. The competition will involve gold, silver, and bronze medals, allowing half of the teams competing to have a podium finish in each game, making every match very competitive.

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Six-Team T20 Format to be Part of LA 2028

In LA 2028, cricket will be staged in the high-intensity T20 format, with six teams participating in both men and women's divisions. Each team will consist of a 15-player squad, with a combined 90 athlete quotas per gender. This translates to stiff competition among leading cricketing nations, given that only six places are available.

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USA, being the host country, is likely to receive a direct entry. That leaves only five spots remaining for qualification, which is still undecided. Nations such as India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand will be strong hopefuls in the men's section. In the women's section, sides such as England, Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka will be in contention as well. Cricket's return to the Olympics is a part of the trend of its participation in world sporting events.The sport was included in the 1998 Commonwealth Games (men's) and the 2022 Birmingham edition (women's). It was also included in the Asian Games of 2010, 2014, and 2023. 

India officially made a bid to host the Summer Olympics 2036 along with the Summer Paralympics 2036. The media reports have also revealed the names of the sports that could be added to the Summer Olympics 2036. 

According to several media reports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially made the formal bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics 2036 by sending a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is the initial step for a country to officially announce the hosting 

While Paris in France recently hosted the Summer Olympics (Paris 2024), Los Angeles in the United States and Brisbane in Australia will host the next two Summer Olympics (Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032).

India battling with other strong countries

Some countries are running to secure the hosting rights for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036. India is reportedly fighting against Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Qatar, Poland, Egypt, Hungary, South Korea, etc in the battle for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036 hosting rights.

Only three Asian countries have hosted the Summer Olympics. These Asian countries are China, South Korea, and Japan. Meanwhile, Japan is the only Asian country to host the Summer Olympics twice (1964 and 2020).

I am optimistic: IOA President

IOA President PT Usha is optimistic about India’s chance to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036.

Usha stated in a statement, “Since last year, we have maintained regular communication with IOC President Thomas Bach and with the officials of the future host commission. We also remained in touch with the officials at the Paris Olympics, during which our officers attended the executive program and observer program organised by the IOC. These interactions and learning led to the submission of the letter of intent in early October.”

“Despite some internal challenges within the IOA, our commitment remains steadfast. I am optimistic that India will be viewed by the IOC as a gracious host.”

Ahmedabad is the frontrunner if India wins the hosting rights for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036. It is likely to be announced at the IOC session in 2015. 

Cricket will be a part if India hosts Olympics 2036

If India hosts the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036, yoga, kabaddi, chess, T20 Cricket, and squash can be included.

Cricket is set to return in the next edition, LA28. Previously, the game only featured in the Summer Olympics in 1900. While Brisbane will host the 2032 edition, there is no doubt about the presence of cricket due to a strong culture in the country for the game. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given a big boost to Indian athletes preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics by donating Rs 8.5 crore (about $1.03 million) to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

This money will help the Indian team in their campaign at the Paris Olympics, starting on July 26.

Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary shared this news on his ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account. He said he’s proud that the BCCI is supporting the amazing athletes representing India at this prestigious event. The BCCI’s funds will help the IOA with their preparations and logistics for the Olympics.

“I am proud to announce that the @BCCI will be supporting our incredible athletes representing #India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign. To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind!” he wrote on x

India plans to send 117 athletes to compete in various sports at the Paris Games. Along with them, 140 support staff will also go, making the total team size 257 members.

The BCCI’s financial help will strengthen the efforts of Indian athletes and support staff as they aim for excellence on the world stage. Jay Shah also wished the entire Indian team good luck, encouraging them to make the nation proud.

This financial support shows the BCCI’s commitment to promoting and supporting Indian athletes in various sports.