Cricket, often considered a sport with a limited global presence, may soon have the opportunity to expand its reach. The T20 version of the game has been included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a significant milestone for cricket. The Olympics provide a platform that is even bigger than the World Cup, allowing cricket to gain a truly global appeal. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is expected to enhance the sport’s image and attract younger audiences, particularly with the rise of T20’s shorter format.
However, it should be noted that cricket still has a long way to go in matching the universal appeal of football. The FIFA ranking list consists of many more teams compared to the ICC ranking list, highlighting the vast difference between the two sports. While T20 has helped cricket expand to previously untapped regions, such as Africa, Europe, and Latin America, cricket’s Olympic inclusion is seen as a crucial step towards reaching a global audience. The USA, with its large Asian diaspora and strong sub-continent crowd presence, is considered a key market for cricket, and hosting the T20 World Cup in 2024 will further pave the way for cricket’s recognition at the Olympics.
The path to cricket’s return to the Olympics was not without its challenges. Officials and players had to overcome several obstacles, including mandatory random dope testing and initial reluctance from countries like England. However, the BCCI, ICC, and other cricket boards found common ground to bring the sport back to the global stage. Beyond the sporting field, the crowd-pulling power of cricket, particularly in the USA, might have influenced the decision, as a large Asian expat community is expected to fill stadiums and attract millions of viewers, potentially leading to a significant increase in broadcasting rights revenue for the LA Olympics.
