Ricky Ponting Enthusiastic about Cricket's 2028 Olympic Comeback

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting expressed excitement over cricket's re-introduction to the Olympics in 2028. Ponting views this as a unique opportunity for the sport to reach new audiences and grow in different markets. Cricket was last featured in the Olympics in 1900.

Former Australian skipper and batter Ricky Ponting said that the re-introduction of cricket into the Olympics during the 2028 Los Angeles edition will open the sport to new audiences and he is excited to see where the game is headed in terms of its growth in different markets. Cricket's return to the Olympics has been long-awaited. Last featured in the Games in 1900, the sport is set to make its comeback after 128 years at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, as per the ICC.

Cricket was among five additional sports proposed by the LA28 Organising Committee, including baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed cricket's inclusion at the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai in October 2023. Speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Ponting expressed his excitement about cricket's Olympic inclusion and the opportunity for the game to reach new audiences on a global stage.

'It can only be a positive thing for our game,' Ponting said as quoted by ICC. 'I have sat on various committees over the last 15 or 20 years, and getting the game back into the Olympics was always a top agenda item. Finally, it's there.'

He continued, 'It's only four years away. By that stage, hopefully with Major League Cricket (MLC) growing, there might be more teams. This also gives cricket a chance to break into the grassroots level in the US. The Olympic Games, watched by millions worldwide, open up completely different audiences to our game, which is already growing daily. It can only be positive for the sport.'

Ponting remarked on the importance of facilities and infrastructure, noting, 'Qualification will be at a premium, and it's exciting to think about the growth of different markets.' Ponting spent several months in the USA, serving as a commentator for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and later as head coach for the Washington Freedom, who clinched the Major League Cricket title.

Ponting believes cricket can leverage baseball's fanbase to boost its popularity. 'Comparing baseball to the excitement and entertainment package of T20 cricket should make it an easy sell to American youth,' he noted. 'There are huge opportunities for growth, especially with Indian investment in MLC.'

Ponting, experienced in multi-sport events from cricket's debut at the Commonwealth Games in 1998, signed off with optimism about cricket's future in the US.