In a historic move, cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games after 128 years, and the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) organizers have officially revealed the event schedule. The cricket matches will run from July 12 to 29, 2028, kicking off two days before the official start of the Olympics on July 14, 2028.
Cricket to Start Before the Official Opening Ceremony
The LA28 Olympic Games are officially scheduled from July 14 to 30, 2028, but cricket, along with a few other sports, will begin earlier, on July 12. LA28 organizers have termed these dates as 'Minus 2' (July 12) and 'Minus 1' (July 13).
First Phase: July 12 to 18, 2028
First Medal Match: July 19, 2028
Second Phase: July 22 to 28, 2028
Final Medal Match: July 29, 2028
The Olympic Games will conclude the following day on July 30, 2028.
Cricket Matches Venue: Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium, Pomona
All matches will be hosted at the Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium in Pomona, located approximately 48 km from Downtown Los Angeles. This purpose-built, top-tier cricket venue promises a world-class experience and will highlight cricket’s much-anticipated comeback at the Olympics.
According to the LA28 organizing committee:
“For nearly a century, this location has served as the home of the annual LA County Fair and hosts a variety of year-round events, including trade shows, conventions, and sporting events. The sprawling grounds will serve as the backdrop for Cricket's triumphant return to the Olympic Games — 128 years in the making.”
Format: Six Teams Each in Men’s and Women’s Cricket
Both men’s and women’s T20 cricket competitions will feature six teams each. While the order of matches between genders hasn’t been finalized, it is anticipated that the matches will alternate or run back-to-back. LA28 has clarified that a detailed schedule, including the gender sequence, will be announced later in 2025.
Qualification Process to Be Decided by ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will finalize the qualification process during its annual conference from July 17 to 20, 2025, in Singapore.
Expected Qualification Scenarios:
Top-ranked teams in ICC T20 rankings are likely to get direct qualification.
Possibility of a qualification tournament, potentially including Associate nations, although scheduling constraints might make this difficult.
Final decision pending ICC’s conference discussions.
Why Cricket's Return to the Olympics Is Historic
The last time cricket featured in the Olympics was in Paris 1900. Its return marks a huge step forward for the sport’s global outreach, particularly targeting the massive fanbase in India, Australia, England, and emerging cricket nations like the USA.
Conclusion
With cricket making a grand comeback to the Olympics at LA28, fans around the globe can expect thrilling T20 action packed into a tight and exciting schedule. As we await further updates on the qualification process and match order, one thing is certain — the 2028 Olympics will be a milestone event for cricket’s global expansion.
Stay tuned for more updates on LA28 Olympic Cricket Schedule, qualification criteria, and venue details as they unfold.
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