What Did Jay Shah Discuss with IOC President Kirsty Coventry About Cricket's Olympic Return?
Synopsis
In a pivotal meeting, ICC Chairman Jay Shah and IOC President Kirsty Coventry charted the future for cricket's return to the Olympics at LA28. They discussed cricket's role in promoting the Olympic movement and the expected excitement surrounding the T20 tournaments, offering fans a thrilling glimpse into the upcoming Summer Games.
Key Takeaways
Cricket's Olympic Return: Cricket will return to the Olympics for the second time in 2028.
Key Figures: Jay Shah is instrumental in promoting cricket's role in the Olympics.
Event Format: Six teams will compete in T20 format for both genders.
Venue: Matches will be hosted at Fairgrounds in Pomona.
Medal Match Dates: Women's finals on July 20, men's on July 29.
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), recently engaged in discussions with Kirsty Coventry, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), during an IOC assembly in Switzerland. Their conversation revolved around the pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the anticipated return of cricket to the Summer Games.
Last year, the IOC granted cricket a spot in LA28, which will signify the sport's second appearance at the Olympics, occurring 128 years after its initial debut in Paris 1900, where Great Britain secured gold in a unique match against France.
Shah shared on X, "It was a pleasure to meet with IOC President Kirsty Coventry to continue our ongoing discussions on the road to @LA28 and Cricket's return to the Olympic Games. We reflected on the progress made so far and the significant role cricket can play in the growth of the Olympic movement." He also posted a photograph from their meeting.
Notably, Shah has been a pivotal figure in advocating for cricket’s inclusion in the upcoming Olympic Games. Earlier this year, he attended the IOC presidential elections in Greece, where Coventry made history as the first woman and African to hold the esteemed position.
At the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, cricket will feature six teams competing in the T20 format for both men’s and women’s tournaments. Each gender will be allotted 90 athlete quotas, enabling nations to assemble squads of 15 players.
The T20 events for both categories will take place from July 12 to July 29, 2028, with medal matches scheduled for July 20 (women’s) and July 29 (men’s). All games will occur at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, located approximately 50 km from downtown Los Angeles.
Earlier this year, Shah also conferred with former IOC president Thomas Bach and other high-ranking officials during an LA 2028 International Federations seminar at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland. This meeting concentrated on crucial collaboration fields between the ICC and IOC leading up to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the progressive steps being taken to integrate cricket into the Olympic framework. This move not only enhances the sport's visibility but also enriches the Olympic spirit, blending tradition with modern sporting dynamics.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will cricket be featured in the Olympics?
Cricket will be part of the Olympics during the 2028 Los Angeles Games, scheduled from July 12 to July 29, 2028.
How many teams will participate in Olympic cricket?
Six teams will compete in the T20 format for both men's and women's tournaments.
What is Jay Shah's role in cricket's Olympic inclusion?
Jay Shah has been a key advocate for cricket's inclusion in the Olympics, leading discussions and initiatives to promote the sport's return.
Where will the Olympic cricket matches be held?
All cricket matches will take place at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, approximately 50 km from downtown Los Angeles.
When are the medal matches scheduled?
The women's medal match is set for July 20, and the men's medal match will occur on July 29, 2028.
