Los Angeles 2028 Olympics: Cricket Returns with 6 Teams and 90 Players

India and Pakistan Rankings in ICC 

Under the leadership of SuryaKumar Yadav and the current defending T20 champions, the Indian men’s cricket team secured the number one position in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings. From the women’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur is ranked third behind Australia and England.

Pakistan’s cricket team could not participate in LA 2028, considering their current rankings. They are in seventh position in the men’s cricket team rankings and eighth in the women’s.

The Cricket’s Inclusion and Venue Finalization

The cricket’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics was widely encouraged by the demand to cater to South Asian audiences, allowing IOC to achieve larger broadcast, particularly in the subcontinent. The decision would be further strengthened if broadcast timings align, potentially through a relocation to New York.

Though venues are not finalized yet, multiple reports suggested that, in a move to maximize Indian viewership, there may be a case for relocation to New York, approximately a six-hour flight away.

Considering that the USA may get automatic Qualification through hosting duties, among the ICC’s 94 associate members and 12 full members, only five remaining slots are available for men’s cricket teams at LA 2028.

Indian Viewership, a Priority for LA 2028 Cricket Debut

Indian viewership has been prioritized by the LA 2028 organizers for cricket’s Olympic debut. With India 9.5 hours ahead of New York and 12.5 hours ahead of Los Angeles, Casey Wasserman, LA 2028 chairman, confirmed that the plans would be tailored such that they suit Indian time zones. 

The decision ensures New York’s recent T20 World Cup 2024 hosting in a temporary Nassur Country Stadium, where weather significantly impacted some matches.

Venue options for LA 2028 may include Brooklyn’s Marine Park, where MI New York is based, or a proposed 10,000-seat stadium. However, the latter’s completion before the Games remains uncertain.