Olympics 2028: these are the sports that are now part of the competition; cricket one of them

Olympics 2028:Next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles from July 14 to 30, and they’re already being called one of the most exciting editions of the Games. This will be the third time Los Angeles is hosting the Summer Olympics, after previously hosting them in 1932 and 1984. With LA28, the city becomes the first non-European city to host the Games three times.

The LA28 Olympics aim to make the Games more inclusive, faster, and appealing to younger and global audiences. The organizing committee is focused on bringing in sports that reflect today’s trends and fan interests, while still keeping the Olympic spirit alive. Here’s a look at the new sports that have been added to the LA28 program.

Cricket returns after over a century

Cricket is making a historic comeback to the Olympics after 128 years. It was last played in the 1900 Paris Games, and now it returns in its most popular and fast-paced format: T20. Only six men’s and six women’s teams will participate, and the U.S., as the host nation, will qualify automatically. However, due to the limited spots, some major cricket countries like Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka might not qualify, depending on their ICC T20 rankings.

Interestingly, the West Indies cannot compete as one team because they are not a single country. Instead, individual Caribbean nations like Barbados may participate separately. The venue for the cricket matches hasn’t been announced yet, but organizers are expected to consider time zones and global viewership—especially keeping fans in cricket-loving countries like India in mind.

Flag Football to debut at the Olympics 2028

Flag football, a no-tackle version of American football, will be played at the Olympics for the first time. This sport is quick, strategic, and safer than traditional football, making it easy for new fans to enjoy. With this move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) hopes to take a very American sport and introduce it to global audiences, especially young fans.

Lacrosse returns in a new format

Lacrosse is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1908, but with a modern twist. The version to be played is called “Lacrosse Sixes”—a faster and smaller format with six players per team. This version is more energetic, high-scoring, and suited for today’s fast-paced viewing preferences.

Squash joins the Olympics for the First Time

After years of waiting and campaigning, squash has finally been included in the Olympics. It’s a sport played in over 180 countries and is known for its speed and athletic skill. Players and fans around the world have long hoped to see squash on the Olympic stage, and LA28 will finally make that dream come true.

Baseball and Softball make a comeback

Baseball and softball, hugely popular in the U.S., are returning to the Olympics after last appearing at the Tokyo 2020 Games. These sports are also followed in countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Dominican Republic, so their return is expected to attract big crowds and strong competition.

The LA28 Olympics is expected to feature 351 medal events—more than ever before. For the first time in Olympic history, more female athletes will compete than male athletes, showing the organizers’ focus on gender equality. With its mix of new and returning sports, LA28 aims to balance tradition with change, and offer something exciting for everyone—from longtime fans to curious first-time viewers.