Cricket is making its historic return to the Olympic Games after a staggering 128-year absence. The LA28 Olympics cricket tournament promises to be a landmark event, bringing the world’s second-most popular sport back to the biggest sporting stage on Earth.
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When and Where Will Cricket Be Played?
The LA28 Organising Committee has confirmed that cricket matches will kick off before the official opening ceremony of the Games, with matches beginning on July 12 at the newly constructed Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium in Pomona, California. Officially, the LA28 Olympics will begin on July 14.
All matches will take place at the purpose-built Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium in Pomona, located about 48 kilometers from downtown Los Angeles and approximately 30 miles from the LA Athletes’ Village. Unlike the controversial temporary pitch in New York during the 2024 T20 World Cup, this venue is designed for permanence and potentially long-term use by T20 franchises.
Match Timings: Designed for Indian Audiences
What’s most notable is how the entire schedule has been tailored with one specific audience in mind: India. Morning matches will begin at 9:00 AM PDT (that’s 9:30 PM IST), while evening fixtures at 6:30 PM PDT will be shown live in India at 7:00 AM IST, making it ideal for broadcasters, sponsors, and fans in cricket’s biggest market. This is according to the BBC.
Each day will feature exactly two matches:
- Morning Match: 9:00 AM PDT (9:30 PM IST)
- Evening Match: 6:30 PM PDT (7:00 AM IST next day) – played under floodlights
It’s clear that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are using cricket’s Olympic re-entry to cater well to the South Asian market.
Tournament Format Explained
The tournament format might be tricky for some, but here’s how it works: both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature six teams each, competing in T20 format. The teams will be divided into two groups of three, but the points standings will be combined.
Group Structure
- Group A: Teams A1, A2, A3
- Group B: Teams B1, B2, B3
How the Tournament Works
Each team will play four games total:
- Group Stage: Play the other two teams in your group once
- Cross-Pool Stage: Play two teams from the opposite group
- Final Rankings: Combined standings from all four games determine medal match participants
The top two teams will advance to fight for the gold medal, while the 3rd and 4th placed teams will compete for bronze.
Complete Match Schedule
| Match No. | Fixture | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A1 vs A2 | Group Stage |
| 2 | A1 vs A3 | Group Stage |
| 3 | A2 vs A3 | Group Stage |
| 4 | B1 vs B2 | Group Stage |
| 5 | B2 vs B3 | Group Stage |
| 6 | B1 vs B3 | Group Stage |
| 7 | A1 vs B2 | Cross-Pool |
| 8 | A1 vs B3 | Cross-Pool |
| 9 | A2 vs B1 | Cross-Pool |
| 10 | A2 vs B3 | Cross-Pool |
| 11 | A3 vs B1 | Cross-Pool |
| 12 | A3 vs B2 | Cross-Pool |
| 13 | Top 2 teams | Gold Medal Match |
| 14 | 3rd vs 4th team | Bronze Medal Match |
Medal Matches Schedule
The medal matches are strategically scheduled to maximize global viewership:
- Women’s Medal Matches: July 19, 2028
- Men’s Medal Matches: July 29, 2028
The gold and silver medal match will be between the top two-ranked sides, while the bronze medal match will feature the 3rd and 4th placed teams. The men’s tournament will conclude on July 29, just one day before the LA28 Olympics officially wrap up.
Team Qualification Process
The qualification process remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the tournament. The ICC will take this up at its Annual Conference in Singapore (July 17–20, 2025). Several options are currently on the table:
| Qualification Method | Description |
|---|---|
| T20I Rankings | Teams qualify based on current international T20 rankings |
| Olympic Qualifying Tournament | A dedicated tournament specifically for Olympic qualification |
| Regional Strength Invites | Invitations based on continental cricket development |
| World Cup Results | Qualification based on recent T20 World Cup performances |
Daily Schedule Overview
The tournament structure ensures consistent daily content with strategic timing for maximum global reach:
| Time Slot | PDT | IST | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:00 AM | 9:30 PM | Regular Match |
| Evening | 6:30 PM | 7:00 AM (Next Day) | Floodlight Match |
This schedule ensures that Indian audiences can watch one match during prime evening hours and another during convenient morning hours, maximizing viewership in cricket’s most important market.
Why This Format Matters
The LA28 Olympics cricket format represents a careful balance between competitive integrity and practical considerations. By combining group standings and ensuring each team plays four matches, the tournament maximizes competitive opportunities while maintaining excitement throughout the event.
The permanent venue in Pomona signals a long-term commitment to cricket’s growth in the United States, potentially paving the way for future T20 franchise development in Southern California.
Tournament Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 12, 2028 | Cricket matches begin |
| July 14, 2028 | LA28 Olympics opening ceremony |
| July 19, 2028 | Women’s medal matches |
| July 29, 2028 | Men’s medal matches |
| July 30, 2028 | LA28 Olympics closing ceremony |
The Significance of Cricket’s Return
After 128 years away from the Olympics, cricket’s return represents more than just another sporting event. The strategic scheduling for Indian audiences, permanent venue construction, and innovative tournament format all point to a comprehensive plan for cricket’s global expansion.
The entire tournament will be staged in Pomona, ensuring consistent playing conditions and eliminating travel fatigue for participating teams. This approach, combined with the India-friendly scheduling, demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to making this Olympic return both successful and sustainable.
The LA28 Olympics cricket tournament stands as a pivotal moment in cricket’s history, potentially determining the sport’s future Olympic participation and its expansion into new markets worldwide.
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FAQs
When will cricket matches begin at the LA28 Olympics?
Cricket matches will start on July 12, 2028, two days before the official Olympic opening ceremony, and conclude on July 29, 2028.
How many teams will participate in the LA28 Olympics cricket tournament?
Both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature six teams each, competing in T20 format across two groups of three teams.
What makes the LA28 Olympics cricket schedule unique for Indian audiences?
The match timings are specifically designed for Indian viewers, with morning matches at 9:00 AM PDT (9:30 PM IST) and evening matches at 6:30 PM PDT (7:00 AM IST next day).
Where will all the cricket matches be played during the LA28 Olympics?
All matches will be held at the purpose-built Fairgrounds Cricket Stadium in Pomona, California, approximately 30 miles from the LA Athletes’ Village.
How will teams qualify for the LA28 Olympics cricket tournament?
The qualification process is still being determined by the ICC, with options including T20I rankings, dedicated Olympic qualifying tournaments, or invitations based on regional strength and World Cup results.
