Last Updated: April 23, 2026 05:50 PM
Cricket fans worldwide are celebrating some absolutely historic news from the ICC. The sport is finally coming back to the biggest sporting stage. This announcement ends over a century of waiting for cricket lovers everywhere.
Pomona Gets the Olympic Cricket Honor
The International Cricket Council made it official through their announcement recently. Pomona in Los Angeles County will host cricket at the 2028 Olympics. This marks cricket’s return after disappearing from the Olympics 128 years ago.
The Knight Riders Group is building a brand-new stadium there specifically. This ground will become the home venue for the LA Knight Riders permanently. They’re part of the Knight Riders franchise with teams across India, Caribbean, UAE, America.
Interestingly, Pomona previously hosted the LA County Fair for many years. Now it’s transforming into a cricket hub for the entire region. That historical significance makes the location even more special for this occasion.
Why This Olympic Return Matters So Much
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta called the groundbreaking ceremony a historic moment. He emphasized this isn’t just about building another cricket field somewhere. This stadium fulfills a 128-year-old promise made to cricket fans globally.
The International Olympic Committee finally approved cricket for the LA 2028 Games. That recognition proves cricket’s massive global popularity beyond traditional strongholds like India. The sport has grown tremendously across continents in recent decades.
Cricket chose the T20 format specifically for Olympic inclusion strategically here. Shorter matches make the game more accessible to new audiences everywhere. European and American markets are opening up to cricket gradually now.
Knight Riders Group’s Vision for American Cricket
The Knight Riders Group is investing heavily in American cricket’s future. Their financial commitment positions Pomona as America’s cricket hub moving forward. ICC CEO Gupta praised their role in making Olympic cricket possible.
“This is a moment in history because what we are breaking ground on today is not simply a cricket field. We are breaking ground on a promise. A promise that took 128 years to keep,” ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said.
“When the International Olympic Committee formally approved cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Games, it wasn’t just a scheduling announcement. It was a recognition that the Olympics should reflect the sports that billions of people love. The International Cricket Council humbly accepted that recognition with our full commitment”, he added.
Pomona embodies community values perfectly according to ICC’s selection reasoning clearly. The location has deep roots as a gathering place historically. Trade, culture, and celebration happened there for generations before cricket arrived.
Cricket’s core value has always been bringing communities together through sport. Pomona’s history of community gatherings aligns beautifully with cricket’s fundamental spirit. The 2028 Olympics will showcase cricket to billions of viewers worldwide.
New fans in America will discover cricket’s excitement through Olympic coverage. This venue selection could change cricket’s landscape in North America forever. The 128-year wait finally ends in Pomona, Los Angeles County.
