Mumbai/Hyderabad, Oct 16 (Hydnow): Cricket was on Monday formally included in the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, delivering a massive boost to the game’s global ambitions.
Besides cricket, which will be played in the T20 format, the other sports approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during its 141st session, were squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and flag football.
IOC president Thomas Bach made the announcement of cricket’s inclusion along with other sports after the recommendation of the Executive Board was put to vote through a raise of hands.
The proposal to include the five sports recommended by the LA28 Organising Committee was opposed by only two of the 99 IOC members. The massive following of cricket in India, the world’s most populous nation, and the BCCI supporting the ICC in its Olympic bid also went a long way in securing a spot in the LA 28 program.
It was only in 2021 that the BCCI changed its stance to back the game’s inclusion in the Summer Games after years of Opposition fearing a threat to its autonomy.
Italy’s Olympic champion shooter, Niccolo Campriani, who is the sports director at LA28, referred to Indian superstar Virat Kohli’s popularity while making the pitch to the IOC here. (Hydnow)
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