In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts worldwide, cricket is on the verge of being included in the roster of sports for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This news comes alongside the anticipated inclusion of flag football, baseball, and softball, as revealed in a recent report. The much-anticipated official confirmation of cricket's participation in the Olympics is set to be made during the 141st International Olympic Committee session. The session is scheduled to commence in Mumbai on October 15, 2023. This announcement is eagerly awaited by cricket enthusiasts, who have long hoped for the sport's return to the global Olympic stage.
A Glimpse into Cricket's Olympic History
While cricket has had a limited presence in the Olympics, with just one appearance in 1900 in Paris, when England and France competed for the coveted gold medal, its resurgence in the 2028 edition is set to make a significant impact. This revival of cricket on the Olympic stage could introduce the sport to a whole new generation of fans.
Men's and Women's T20 Competitions Planned
The 2028 Olympics have ambitious plans for cricket, aiming to host both men's and women's T20 competitions. This strategic move is not only expected to captivate a global audience but also create lucrative opportunities for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the Asian subcontinent. With the ever-growing popularity of T20 cricket, this inclusion could mark a turning point for the sport's global recognition.
India's Crucial Role and Broadcast Deal Prospects
As the largest market for cricket in the world, India is poised to play a pivotal role in the success of cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. The potential benefits are not limited to the sport alone, as the value of the IOC broadcast deal in India could see a substantial increase. The report suggests that the broadcast deal, which stood at 15.6 million pounds for the 2024 Olympics, has the potential to soar to as much as 150 million pounds if cricket becomes a featured sport in the 2028 edition. This change would represent a remarkable shift in the economic landscape of Olympic broadcasting in India.
Potential Additions: Lacrosse and Squash
In recent years, cricket has seen increased recognition on the global stage. Notably, women's cricket made its debut in the Commonwealth Games last year, marking a significant milestone for the sport. Furthermore, both men's and women's cricket competitions were featured in the recent Asian Games held in China, where India enjoyed notable success, signaling a positive trajectory for cricket's presence in international sporting events. In addition to cricket, The Guardian speculates that lacrosse and squash may also be proposed as additional sports for the 2028 Summer Games. The potential inclusion of these sports adds to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Olympics and the potential diversity it could bring to the athletic competitions.
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