Southern California to Host Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics: Cricket is officially making a historic return to the Olympic Games after more than a century—and this time, it’s heading to Southern California. The LA28 organizing committee confirmed that a temporary, purpose-built cricket stadium will be set up at the Fairplex in Pomona, West Coast, USA to host the cricket matches during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The announcement marks a major step for the sport globally, as cricket will once again feature on the Olympic stage since its only appearance at the 1900 Paris Games. The LA28 committee has been gradually revealing the venues for various sports, and with this confirmation, it’s clear that Southern California will play a crucial role in cricket’s Olympic revival.
The selected venue in Pomona will be constructed specifically for the Games, with modern facilities tailored to the high-energy T20 format, which was officially added to the Olympic sports program in 2023. This format, known for its fast-paced and action-packed nature, is expected to draw massive crowds and introduce the game to newer audiences in the United States.
Six Teams to Compete in Men’s and Women’s T20 Tournaments
According to LA28 organizers, both men’s and women’s cricket tournaments will feature six international teams, showcasing global talent in a format designed for entertainment, strategy, and spectacle. With the USA gaining ground as an emerging cricketing destination, this announcement is being seen as a golden opportunity to expand the game beyond its traditional borders.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) responded with enthusiasm following the venue confirmation. “Although cricket is a hugely popular sport, it will be a fantastic opportunity to expand traditional boundaries when it features in the Olympics in the fast-paced, exciting T20 format that should appeal to new audiences,” said ICC Chair Jay Shah. “On behalf of the ICC, I want to express my gratitude to LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their support and look forward to collaborating with them and ICC Members in preparing for LA28 and making cricket a huge success there.”
Originally, there were internal discussions about hosting the Olympic cricket matches on the East Coast, particularly in New York, which successfully hosted eight matches during the recent T20 World Cup. However, logistical and planning considerations led the LA28 committee to ultimately finalize Pomona as the preferred host city. The choice of a temporary stadium allows the flexibility to tailor the infrastructure specifically for the sport and meet Olympic standards.
Cricket fans around the world are now counting down the days until they witness history unfold again, as cricket takes its long-awaited leap back into Olympic glory—this time on American soil.
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