According to Casey Wasserman, chair of the host committee, cricket competitions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games may be held on the East Coast of the United States. This decision aims to cater to the substantial audience in India while also tapping into the growing domestic market for the sport in the host country. Cricket is making its return to the Olympic lineup after a 128-year absence, competing in the T20 format. Although the specific venues have yet to be determined, it is anticipated that both the men’s and women’s competitions will occur on the East Coast due to its more favorable time zone for Indian viewers compared to the West Coast. The cricket competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics may take place on the East Coast.
Wasserman emphasized during a Business of Sports Summit in Austin, Texas, that LA28 organizers are keen to maximize cricket viewership in India, which is crucial given the sport’s popularity there. He pointed out that the East Coast is only nine-and-a-half hours behind India, allowing viewers to catch live matches more conveniently. In contrast, Los Angeles is 12-and-a-half hours behind, which could hinder viewership and engagement. The cricket competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics may take place on the East Coast.
While Wasserman did not specify which East Coast venues might host the cricket matches, it is worth noting that New York previously hosted several preliminary-round matches of the T20 World Cup earlier this year, co-hosted with the West Indies. This experience with cricket infrastructure could facilitate preparations for the Olympics.
Cricket is one of six sports, including baseball, softball, flag football, squash, and lacrosse, that have been added to the LA28 Olympic program. The sport was last featured in the Olympic Games in 1900. Wasserman has indicated that utilizing existing infrastructure could lead to savings of over $150 million and create new revenue opportunities, helping to maintain a balanced budget for the event. The cricket competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics may take place on the East Coast.
The three venues that hosted the recent T20 World Cup matches in the U.S. were Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and a temporary stadium constructed on Long Island outside New York City. This arrangement is not unusual, as it is common for host nations to hold Olympic events in locations away from the main venue. For instance, during the Paris Olympics, surfing events are set to take place in Tahiti, sailing in Marseille, shooting in Chateauroux, and soccer matches will be held across various locations in France.
As the planning for the 2028 Olympics progresses, the decision to potentially host cricket on the East Coast reflects a strategic approach to engaging a broader audience and enhancing the overall Olympic experience.
