Cricket’s return to the Olympic Games after more than a century is expected to reshape the global sporting landscape, with India emerging as a key beneficiary both on and off the field. The sport will make its Olympic comeback at the Los Angeles 2028 Games in the Twenty20 (T20) format after its only previous appearance in 1900.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) believes cricket’s inclusion will help the Games attract billions of new viewers, particularly from India and the wider South Asian market, where the sport enjoys unmatched popularity.
IOC Sports Director Pierre Ducrey said cricket offers the Olympic movement access to one of the world’s largest and youngest fan bases.
India’s booming cricket economy has played a major role in the decision. The Indian Premier League (IPL), now one of the world’s most valuable sporting leagues, has transformed cricket into a global commercial powerhouse.
Industry experts expect Olympic cricket to drive higher broadcasting revenues, sponsorship deals and digital engagement, with Indian audiences likely to account for a significant share of global viewership.
The move also aligns with India’s growing ambitions to become a global sporting hub. The country is actively pursuing the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games while expanding its calendar of international sporting events and investing in sports infrastructure. Officials believe cricket’s Olympic return could further strengthen India’s influence within the Olympic movement.
Beyond commercial gains, cricket’s Olympic debut is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and expand the sport into emerging markets, giving the Games a significant boost while reinforcing India’s position at the centre of world cricket
