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WATCH: Los Angeles 2028 Olympics chairperson calls Virat Kohli a ‘Global Icon’ after game’s inclusion in tournament

Cricket's inclusion in the LA28 Olympics is the outcome of a number of factors that have come together to raise the sport's stature around the world.

Oct 18, 2023 11:58 am

The fantastic news that cricket has officially been approved as a part of the LA28 Olympics has the entire cricketing world giddy with excitement. Cricket fans from all over the world are thrilled about this development, which represents an important turning point for the game.

Cricket has had a remarkable journey, competing in prestigious competitions like the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, and winning big. Now that it has been selected as one of the five sports to be played at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, it is poised to make a triumphant comeback at the Olympics. The inclusion of cricket in both the men’s and women’s T20 competitions was confirmed by the International Olympic Committee on Monday, marking the sport’s return to the Olympics for the first time since 1900.

Cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympics is the outcome of a number of factors that have come together to raise the sport’s stature around the world. The LA Local Organizing Committee’s (LALOG) president, Niccolo Campriani, emphasized cricket’s rising recognition in the US. It is obvious that significant factors such as the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be held in the USA and the West Indies, and the successful inaugural season of the Major League Cricket have contributed significantly to this historic decision. It is impossible to ignore Cricket’s expanding presence in the American market, particularly in terms of consumer demand.

Virat Kohli’s social media stardom: A catalyst for Cricket’s Olympic inclusion

Beyond these elements, one name stands out, though: Virat Kohli. The affable Indian cricket captain has played a significant role in popularizing the game all over the world. Campriani emphasized the significance of having a strong online presence to interact with young people, and cricket has proven to be the perfect medium for doing so. Virat Kohli is the third-most followed athlete in the world on social media, with an astounding 314 million followers. The combined fan bases of well-known athletes like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Tiger Woods are dwarfed by this impressive number. Campriani emphasized that this presents a special chance for LA28 to interact with a sizable international audience.

LA Sports Director on King Kohli:

Virat Kohli is one of the main reasons behind Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic. pic.twitter.com/upCYsQsI2a

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 16, 2023

In a video statement, Casey Wasserman, the 2028 LA Olympics’ chair, expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli’s stature and popularity. He humorously noted that anyone with over 300 million Instagram followers is someone worth being a fan of.

Watch the video below:

https://twitter.com/LokeshVirat18K/status/1714500268501692627

Cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympics marks a significant moment for the sport as it highlights both its global appeal and its ability to engage young people through digital platforms. Cricket’s return to the Olympics promises to be a game-changer, ensuring a bright future for the sport on the international stage thanks to Virat Kohli’s star power and the sport’s rising popularity in the United States.

Look at how the fans have reacted: