Xtra Time Web Desk: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to postpone its decision on including cricket in the Olympic program for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Originally, the IOC’s Executive Board (EB) was set to discuss and decide on this matter, but it has been removed from the current agenda. The IOC cited ongoing discussions between the IOC and the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee as the reason for this delay.
The IOC stated that the report by the IOC Olympic Programme Commission, which is responsible for recommending sports for inclusion, hasn’t been finalized due to these ongoing talks. As a result, the discussion about the sports program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will be deferred to a later EB meeting, with the date yet to be determined.
However, it’s important to note that this delay doesn’t change the widespread expectation that cricket will eventually be accepted into the Olympic program when the matter is revisited. Insiders suggest that discussions are ongoing between the Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee and the IOC regarding not only cricket but also other existing sports and their respective disciplines that will be included in the Games.
Once the IOC’s Executive Board reaches a decision, the matter will proceed to the IOC session in Mumbai for ratification next month. It’s now likely that the next EB meeting will occur before the Mumbai session, which is scheduled to take place from October 15-17. Cricket enthusiasts around the world will eagerly await further developments on cricket’s potential inclusion in the Olympic Games.