Cricket Returns to the Olympics at LA28 with Pomona Venue Confirmed

Cricket long-awaited return to the Olympics was confirmed on Tuesday as Los Angeles 2028 organisers announced that the sport would be held at a purpose-built venue in Pomona, located just east of Los Angeles. This marks the first time since the Paris 1900 Olympics that cricket will feature in the global sporting event, with the competition set to follow a six-team Twenty20 format for both men’s and women’s teams.

The announcement is significant, as cricket had been absent from the Olympics for more than a century. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had recognised the sport’s potential to engage new audiences, with an estimated global fan base of 2.5 billion people. Cricket’s inclusion is expected to attract more viewers, expanding the Olympic Games’ appeal.

Earlier reports had suggested that cricket might be staged thousands of miles away in New York, but the decision to host it in Pomona solidifies its place within the LA28 venue lineup. The venue selection received a warm welcome from the International Cricket Council (ICC), with ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressing his excitement about the event in a press release, stating that this was a “significant step” towards preparing for the sport’s Olympic return.

Alongside cricket’s Olympic debut, squash will also make its debut at the LA28 Games. The sport will take place at Universal Studios, using the iconic Courthouse Square, a well-known mock-up town square that has appeared in famous films like Back to the Future and To Kill a Mockingbird. This addition brings new excitement to the Games, adding further variety to the schedule.

In addition to these debut sports, the updated list of Olympic venues for LA28 includes several well-known locations across the city. Surfing will take place at Trestles Beach in San Clemente, located 61 miles from LA. Trestles is famous for its consistent waves and is considered one of the best surfing spots in California. The triathlon will now be held at Venice Beach, a location that also serves as the start point for the men’s and women’s marathon and cycling road races.

Baseball returns to Dodger Stadium, the iconic home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which also hosted the sport during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The stadium will continue to play a pivotal role in the Games. Santa Anita Park will host the equestrian events, while Anaheim’s Honda Center will welcome the volleyball competitions.

Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28, expressed pride in the venue plan, stating, “We’ve promised the world an incredible Olympic Games, and today we’re proud to share the plan that will make it happen.” He emphasised the regional inclusivity of the Games, with exciting sports taking place across some of the world’s top-tier stadiums, beaches, and newly built temporary structures.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also celebrated the venue lineup, stating that it would bring the Olympics to all corners of the city, showcasing its world-famous neighbourhoods as well as hidden gems. With a diverse range of venues from Venice Beach to Santa Anita Park, the 2028 Games are shaping up to be a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike.