According to reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been making significant efforts to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Multiple reports indicate that both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed the inclusion of the sport in the 2028 colossal event. With the debut of the gentleman’s game in the Olympics, reports indicated that the plan could only be altered if things went ‘terribly awry’ from this point forward.
In addition, confirmation of the same could be provided at the IOC session scheduled for later this year in Mumbai, in October 2023. Since quite some time, the ICC has been attempting to get cricket included in the Olympics. The addition of the sport could do wonders for the sport’s popularity in the future years.
In addition, it has been established that the IOC views cricket as the most effective means of maintaining a firm hold on the Indian market. According to the reports, numerous discussions have already taken place regarding the potential Olympic cricket venues. Multiple rumors suggested that the Knight Riders’ Group stadium being constructed in the United States for the impending Major League Cricket (MLC) could be a potential venue.
IOC’s income from media rights in India would increase to $260 million. ICC
In a recent letter to the IOC, the ICC implored the Olympic body to consider the financial benefits of incorporating cricket into the mega event. According to a Hindustan Times report, a source familiar with the ICC’s pitch stated that if cricket was contested at the games, the IOC’s media rights income from India would increase to at least $130 million and reach as high as $260 million.
In 2032, the Olympic Games will be contested in Brisbane, Australia. Given the sport’s prominence in the country, the addition of cricket in 2028 could also help smooth things over, as it could be played with relative ease.