Cricket, Flag Football Among 5 Sports Added to 2028 Olympics
Cricket is set to make a comeback as an Olympic sport, while flag football will make its debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the addition of these sports, along with baseball-softball, lacrosse, and squash, to the program. The decision was made after being proposed by Los Angeles officials and recommended by the IOC executive board.
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic program is significant, as it marks the sport’s return to the Games since 1900. The decision was made in Mumbai, India, where the IOC was meeting during the sport’s World Cup. The addition of cricket is expected to increase the value of India’s broadcasting rights for the IOC by over $100 million. The Olympic cricket tournaments for both men and women will feature six teams playing the shortened and dynamic Twenty20 format.
Flag football and baseball-softball have the potential to showcase NFL and MLB players on the Olympic stage in five years’ time. While football in its full-contact form was a demonstration sport at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, flag football will now have a permanent place in the Olympic movement. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed the league’s commitment to strengthening flag football’s position in the Olympics.
Lacrosse, considered the first game played on the American continent by native people, will also be included in the 2028 Olympics. Although it has been played twice before at the Games, it has not been featured since 1908. In Los Angeles, lacrosse will be played in a six-a-side format.
Squash, which has previously failed in its attempts to gain Olympic status, will finally make its debut in 2028. The inclusion of squash is a significant achievement for the sport and its athletes.
However, breakdance, which made its Olympic debut in Paris next year, did not secure a spot in the 2028 Games. Despite its popularity and appeal, breakdance will not be returning to the Olympic stage.
The decision to add these sports to the program was met with two “no” votes from approximately 90 IOC members. Concerns were raised by Tidjane Thiam of Ivory Coast and William Blick of Uganda regarding the limited popularity of these sports on the African continent. However, they were assured by Los Angeles sports director Niccolò Campriani that flag football is the future of American football’s international growth.
The importance of team sports in American culture and their ability to strengthen bonds with professional leagues and tours was emphasized to IOC members before the vote. Los Angeles officials were also asked to provide assurances that athletes of all nationalities would be allowed to participate in the Summer Games, addressing concerns about immigration to the U.S. Los Angeles organizing committee chairman Casey Wasserman affirmed their commitment to ensuring accessibility for every athlete on earth.
During the presentation, Wasserman made strong statements about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, pushing the limits of the IOC’s preferred stance of political neutrality. He expressed solidarity with both Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the need to understand each other’s differences and embrace challenges with respect and dignity.
While Wasserman’s comments were criticized by some IOC members for overshadowing the sports aspect of the presentation, he received support from French IOC member Guy Drut, who had competed at the 1972 Munich Olympics where 11 Israeli athletes and coaches were killed. Drut lamented the loss of their brothers from Israel.
In a separate vote, IOC members confirmed that weightlifting and modern pentathlon would retain their places in the Olympic program. Weightlifting had faced scrutiny due to doping issues, while modern pentathlon replaced the horse jumping element with obstacle course racing.
Overall, the addition of cricket, flag football, baseball-softball, lacrosse, and squash to the 2028 Olympics will bring new excitement and opportunities for athletes from around the world. These sports will contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of the Games, showcasing different cultures and promoting international growth in various sports.