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Cricket will be making its historic return to the Olympic Games after 128 years and the venue for Los Angeles Olympics 2028 has now been announced. The International Cricket Council has declared that the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, California would be the venue for cricket matches during the Olympics.

 

The 'ground breaking ceremony' for the venue was organized just a day before the official announcement and the first step toward's cricket's comeback to the Olympic Games has taken place. The ground will feature matches for both men and women cricket competitions during the event.

 

The selected venue was also decided to be the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders team in the latest edition of Major League Cricket where seven matches will be organized. As Los Angeles is all set to host the Olympics, the same ground would be seen in full swing with cricket during the Olympic Games.

 

ICC, Jay Shah & Shah Rukh Khan Hailed This as a Massive Step

 

Cricket would have its home for the Olympics in Los Angeles, this ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said and it was a momentous occasion not just for the game but for the millions of fans worldwide.

 

Gupta said:

 

“This is a moment in history because what we are breaking ground on today is not simply a cricket field. We are breaking ground on a promise. A promise that took 128 years to keep. That’s how long the world’s second most popular sport, a game played and passionately followed by more than 2.5 billion people, has been missing from the Olympic stage.”

 

He added:

 

“When the International Olympic Committee formally approved cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Games, it wasn’t just a scheduling announcement. It was a recognition that the Olympics should reflect the sports that billions of people love."

 

Welcoming the move, ICC Chairman Jay Shah called it a "huge development".

 

Shah said:

 

“These are very exciting times for the game of cricket as it makes giant strides in establishing itself as a global sport. Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it.”

 

He added:

 

“The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket’s return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC Members and stakeholders worldwide. We’re confident this venue will take centre-stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA."

 

Also Read | Australia’s Direct Qualification for LA Olympics 2028 at Risk After Early T20 World Cup Exit

 

Shah Rukh Khan and Officials Endorse Development of Cricket in USA

 

Khan, who is co-owner of Knight Riders Sports, also talked about the significance of the venue and its future relevance.

 

Khan said:

 

“Today isn’t just about breaking ground, but about beginning a dream - bringing cricket, the second most-watched sport in the world, into the heart of Los Angeles’ sporting identity."

 

He added:

 

“Through our long-term partnership with Fairplex, we aim to create not just a cricket ground, but a space of energy, community, and belonging.”

 

Attendees of the ceremony included Pomona mayor Tim Sandoval, LA28 vice-president of sports Niccolo Campriani and Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore.

 

Cricket was played in the Olympics in 1900 and the inclusion of the sport, after over a hundred years, is a big statement in widening the sport's base globally, particularly in the US, and with this new venue, it is expected to take centre stage at the Los Angeles Games.