Olympics 2028: Cricket Returns After 124 Years, Temporary Stadium to Be Built in Pomona, California

By Staff Writer . Global Sports News . April 16, 2025

Los Angeles, USA — In a landmark development for global sports, cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games after a 124-year hiatus, with a temporary stadium to be built in Pomona, Southern California, as the official venue for the sport during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The LA28 Organizing Committee confirmed on Tuesday that Fairplex, a historic 500-acre site in Pomona that has hosted the Los Angeles County Fair since 1922, will be transformed to host the T20 cricket competition.

Cricket to Be Played in T20 Format at LA28 Olympics

The Olympic cricket competition will take place between July 14 and July 30, 2028, marking the sport’s comeback since its first and only Olympic appearance in Paris 1900, when Great Britain defeated France in a two-day match. This time, cricket will be played in the high-octane T20 format, aiming to captivate new global audiences.

The shorter format is expected to align with the Olympic spirit of pace and excitement, and serve as a gateway for cricket’s expansion into untapped markets, especially in the United States.

Six Men’s and Six Women’s Teams to Participate

According to the LA28 announcement, the cricket competition will feature six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories. A total of 90 athlete quotas have been allocated — 15 players per team. However, the qualification criteria and selection process are yet to be revealed.

This move is seen as a monumental opportunity for cricket to integrate more deeply into the global sports mainstream, especially within Olympic circles.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah Welcomes Venue Announcement

Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), praised the announcement, saying, “We welcome the confirmation of the cricket venue at LA28. It’s a significant milestone as we prepare for the sport’s Olympic return. The T20 format in the Olympic arena offers an incredible opportunity to showcase cricket to new audiences globally.”

Shah emphasized that the inclusion of cricket in such a prestigious event will accelerate the sport’s global growth, particularly in non-traditional markets.

Other Sports Added to LA28 Program

In addition to cricket, LA28 will feature four other new sports:

• Baseball/Softball

• Flag Football

• Lacrosse (Sixes format)

• Squash

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also hinted that cricket may continue in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, where the final could potentially be held at The Gabba before the iconic stadium is demolished.