Cricket fans worldwide are buzzing after the groundbreaking for a dedicated Olympic stadium in Pomona, California. This marks the sport’s grand re-entry into the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, 128 years after its last appearance.
The ceremony at the Los Angeles County Fairplex on Wednesday was a celebration of cricket’s global ascent. ICC Chairman Jay Shah described it as a ‘major milestone’ for the game and its 2.5 billion fans. In his remarks, Shah spotlighted cricket’s evolution into a global powerhouse, driven by the ICC’s expansion strategies.
‘Becoming part of the Olympic movement fills us with pride and dreams,’ Shah stated. He predicted the Pomona venue would command center stage during the Games, forging an enduring legacy for cricket across the United States.
Joining Shah, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted the strategic push to elevate cricket internationally. ‘This is a significant stride toward our vision,’ Gupta affirmed. He foresaw a transformative journey ahead, filled with milestones that foster inclusivity and excitement in the lead-up to 2028.
Gupta pointed to recent triumphs: packed stadiums, soaring broadcast numbers, and explosive digital interactions at ICC tournaments. Coupled with rising participant numbers and fan-centric innovations, these trends signal cricket’s accelerating rise on the world stage.
Key attendees included LA Sports’ Nicolò Campriani, Mayor Tim Sandoval of Pomona, Dr. K.J. Srinivas from the Indian Consulate, Venky Mysore of Knight Riders Sports, and Fairplex leader Walter Marquez. Their involvement underscores the broad support for cricket’s American expansion.
By featuring in the Olympics and regional multi-sport events, cricket is shedding its regional confines, positioning itself among the fastest-growing global sports. The Pomona project symbolizes this shift, poised to captivate American audiences and redefine the game’s footprint.
