Renowned Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting expressed his excitement about cricket being included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, stating that it will attract a whole new audience to the sport. The last time cricket featured in the Olympics was in 1900, and its comeback is highly anticipated at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Cricket was one of the five additional sports proposed by the LA28 Organising Committee, alongside baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially confirmed cricket’s inclusion at the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai last October. Ponting mentioned, “It can only be a positive thing for our game. I’ve been part of various committees over the years, and getting cricket back into the Olympics has always been a top priority. Finally, it’s happening.”
“With just four years to go, and with the growth of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US, Olympic cricket could open doors for grassroots level development of the game in the country,” Ponting added. Reflecting on the global impact of the Olympics, Ponting emphasized, “The Olympics reach a vast audience worldwide, exposing the game to entirely new demographics, which is a significant opportunity for cricket’s continuous growth.”
Ponting, a three-time ODI World Cup winner, also touched upon his coaching experience with Washington Freedom in MLC, shedding light on the competitive landscape and potential expansion of the league. He noted the opportunity for cricket to leverage baseball’s fanbase to amplify its appeal, especially among the youth in the US.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, Ponting expressed his eagerness to potentially mentor or coach the Australian team, acknowledging the unique experience of being associated with global sporting events like the Olympics. He concluded by expressing his enthusiasm and optimism for the future of cricket, particularly in emerging markets and with increased investment in MLC.
(The story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is sourced from a syndicated feed.)
@Cricbun
