Synopsis
The ICC has confirmed Pomona's Fairgrounds in Southern California as the cricket venue for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, marking the sport's return after 128 years. Jay Shah, ICC Chair, expressed enthusiasm about this historic opportunity.Key Takeaways
- Venue: Pomona Fairgrounds, Southern California.
- Cricket's Return: After a 128-year absence.
- Format: T20, appealing to new audiences.
- ICC Chair: Jay Shah welcomes the announcement.
- Participation: Six teams each for men and women.
New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared that the Fairgrounds in Pomona, a temporary stadium located in Southern California, will host cricket during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Fairgrounds in Pomona, formally recognized as Fairplex, is an expansive event complex spanning nearly 500 acres, which has been the site of the Los Angeles County Fair since 1922.
The cricket events at LA28 will feature six teams in both the men’s and women’s categories, marking the sport's return to the Olympics after a gap of 128 years.
ICC Chair Jay Shah has expressed his enthusiasm regarding the venue confirmation and is eager to collaborate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure cricket's success at the Games.
“We are thrilled with the announcement of the venue for cricket at Los Angeles 2028, as it represents a vital step in our preparations for the sport's Olympic return.
“Despite cricket's immense popularity, this will be an incredible chance to broaden its appeal as it features in the Olympics through the swift and thrilling T20 format, which is likely to attract new fans.
“On behalf of the ICC, I would like to thank LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their support. I look forward to partnering with them and ICC Members in readiness for LA28 and ensuring cricket's remarkable success there,” Shah stated.
Cricket, which last appeared in the Olympics at the Paris Games in 1900, was included in the Los Angeles Olympics following an IOC meeting in Mumbai in October 2023. It joins five new sports at LA28 – baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash.
The T20 format, recognized by the ICC as key to the sport's growth, has also been included in other multi-sport events in recent years. The Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023 featured both men’s and women’s T20 events, while the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games showcased a women’s competition.
