Cricket is returning to the Olympics after 128 years. The last cricket was played at the 1900 Paris Olympics. After extensive discussions, cricket is returning again with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But here too, complications have arisen with cricket.
According to a report by news agency AFP, cricket in the 2028 Olympics may be held outside Los Angeles. The cricketers will not have the opportunity to experience staying in the Olympic Village. Organizers are considering New York for cricket, 4,000 kilometers away from the Olympic city of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Olympics 2028 chairman Casey Wasserman told a press conference that officials are still looking for a suitable venue for cricket. 'If a suitable venue cannot be found in Los Angeles, organizers will look for the best possible venue outside the city,' says Wasserman.
“We don't have a cricket venue in Los Angeles,” Wasserman said after the International Olympic Committee's Coordination Commission visit two days ago. It's a big thing, so we want to find the right place for cricket where it has the greatest chance of success.'
Wasserman, however, said they are not thinking outside of Los Angeles right now. They are trying to find an Olympic city, 'If we find a place for cricket in Los Angeles, we will do it there. If not, it is our responsibility to find the best place for cricket.'
Recent media reports in Britain and the United States have indicated that Olympic organizers are considering staging the Twenty20 tournament at a venue in New York. USA successfully hosted this year's T20 World Cup match in New York. Olympic officials were reportedly impressed by the sighting at Long Island's Nassau County Stadium.
It is believed that cricket will increase its commercial appeal due to the broadcast in New York. The main goal of the organizers is to capture the Asian market. Fans of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka can watch the game well in New York. The issue of the broadcasting organization's contract with the Olympics is involved here. The time difference between New York and India is 9 and a half hours. Los Angeles-India time distance is 12 and a half hours. They want to use this difference of 3 hours.
All 8 matches of the 2024 T20 World Cup at Nassau Stadium have been played at 8 pm Bangladesh time. The cricket lovers of the subcontinent did not have much problem watching the game.
In 2028, cricket will be played in both men's and women's categories at the Olympics. The structure of the tournament is yet to be decided. However, according to international media reports, eight teams in the T20 format, divided into two groups, can play the Olympics. There will be semifinals, finals and bronze medal matches. Two teams participated in the 1900 Paris Olympics. Great Britain beat hosts France to win gold.
