Is Cricket in Olympics: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

The debate around is cricket in olympics had been going on for years now. Cricket fans always felt something was missing when their favourite sport was not on the Olympic stage. Moreover, cricket became so big globally that its absence felt strange. By 2025, the conversation has become louder, and more serious. Therefore, the world started paying attention to cricket’s new Olympic journey. The excitement is huge, and the sport’s future looks different now.

Cricket’s Only Olympic Appearance in 1900

To understand the question is cricket in olympics, we must look back at the beginning. Cricket appeared only once in the 1900 Paris Olympics. However, it did not leave a lasting impression. Only two nations played. The match was long, the format wasn’t suitable, and there was hardly any publicity. Moreover, many countries did not even know cricket existed at that time. Therefore, the IOC quietly removed the sport, thinking it had no future in the Olympic ecosystem.

Why Cricket Stayed Out for So Long

For decades, people kept asking is cricket in olympics, yet nothing changed. The main problem was the long match duration. Test cricket takes five days. ODIs take eight hours. Meanwhile, the Olympics need short, time-bound events. Also, cricket boards had internal disagreements. Furthermore, the BCCI, the world’s most powerful cricket board, wasn’t always in support of Olympic inclusion. Therefore, the sport didn’t meet global or organizational requirements for more than a century.

The Big Breakthrough – IOC’s 2023 Decision

Everything changed in 2023, and the question is cricket in olympics finally got a real answer. The IOC approved T20 cricket for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Moreover, the T20 format is short, exciting, and fits perfectly in the Olympic schedule. Additionally, the huge fanbase in countries like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan made cricket commercially attractive. Meanwhile, the USA showed strong interest after hosting major cricket events, pushing things further. Therefore, cricket’s Olympic comeback became official after more than 120 years.

The Global Situation in 2025

As of 2025, the momentum behind is cricket in olympics is stronger than ever. Many new nations have stepped into cricket, including Germany, Nepal, USA, UAE, and Namibia. 

Additionally, women’s cricket is booming and gaining global attention. Moreover, the ICC has started preparing qualification rules and match formats for LA 2028. Therefore, cricket is not just returning; it is trying to create a long-term Olympic legacy. Fans are excited, and teams are already planning their strategies.

Table – Key Milestones of “Is Cricket in Olympics”

Below is a quick summary showing how the discussion around is cricket in olympics evolved over time.

Player Impact and Reactions Worldwide

The question is cricket in olympics also created excitement among players worldwide. Moreover, many big names supported the decision. Rohit Sharma, for example, often said cricket deserves Olympic recognition. Meanwhile, fans still wonder if Virat Kohli will play in the 2028 Games. 

His participation depends on fitness and form. Additionally, smaller cricket nations feel this move will give them visibility and funding. Therefore, Olympic cricket could be a game-changer for dozens of countries.

What This Means for India and Global Cricket

With cricket’s inclusion confirmed, the debate around is cricket in olympics (8th usage) finally comes to rest. Moreover, India is expected to enter as a top contender for the gold medal. The BCCI will have to plan carefully due to IPL schedules. Meanwhile, countries like the USA and UAE hope to surprise everyone with competitive squads. Additionally, this inclusion will help boost women’s cricket even more, giving athletes the global stage they deserve. Therefore, the sport is entering its most exciting chapter. 

Read more: A Complete Guide to Don Bradman Cricket 17 in 2025

Understanding the Olympic Format and Qualification

The Olympic cricket format will be simple and quick. Moreover, it will follow the T20 style with both men’s and women’s tournaments. Top-ranked teams will qualify automatically. 

Meanwhile, the remaining spots will be filled through qualifiers. Additionally, the ICC wants representation from all continents. Also, matches will be short, so broadcasters can capture global audiences. Therefore, the structure looks promising and suitable for Olympic standards.

Future of Cricket Beyond the Los Angeles 2028 Games

The success of cricket in 2028 will decide its long-term Olympic future. Moreover, experts believe that once cricket enters the Olympics, it will stay. Australia is hosting the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and that increases the chances even more. 

Meanwhile, several nations are developing cricket infrastructure already. Additionally, young players around the world now have a new dream—winning an Olympic medal in cricket. Therefore, cricket’s return to the Olympics is expected to reshape the entire sport.

FAQs

Q1. Will cricket be in the Olympics? 

Yes, cricket is officially added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Q2. Will Virat Kohli play in the Olympics in 2028? 

It depends on his fitness level and retirement decision by then.

Q3. What are the 5 new sports for the 2028 Olympics? 

Cricket, flag football, squash, lacrosse, and baseball-softball.

Q4. Why did cricket get removed from the Olympics? 

The long format and lack of global teams caused its removal.