Olympic Day this year brought a special wave of excitement for cricket fans worldwide. ICC chairman Jay Shah took to social media to celebrate cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, urging everyone to embrace the spirit of movement and unity. The theme for this year’s Olympic Day, “Let’s Move?”, resonated deeply as Shah highlighted how sports like cricket can inspire and connect communities.
Shah’s post on X (formerly Twitter) was a rallying cry. “Cricket has always united us, and now, it’s part of the Olympic movement!” he wrote. His message encouraged people to invite a “+1″—a friend or family member—to join them in physical activity, whether it’s a walk, run, or a casual game of cricket. The goal? A stronger, healthier India, fueled by collective movement.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) echoed this sentiment. Their post emphasized how cricket’s Olympic return marks a historic moment for the sport. “Through the #LetsMove campaign, we invite you to pick your +1 and move together,” they shared. The BCCI’s vision aligns with the broader Olympic spirit: unity, health, and aspiration. Their dream? To one day host the Olympics in India.
Cricket’s journey to the Olympics has been a long time coming. After its sole appearance in the 1900 Paris Games, the sport will make a comeback in LA28. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved its inclusion during a meeting in Mumbai last October. Alongside cricket, other new sports like flag football, squash, and lacrosse will debut in Los Angeles.
The venue for cricket’s Olympic return is set to be Fairgrounds in Pomona, a temporary stadium in Southern California. The tournament will feature six teams each in the men’s and women’s T20 competitions. This format, widely recognized for its fast-paced and engaging nature, has already proven successful in other multi-sport events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Olympic Day isn’t just about elite competition. It’s a celebration of movement at every level. The “Let’s Move?” campaign encourages people worldwide to get active, no matter their skill level. From dancing to skipping, the idea is simple: invite someone to join you and share your efforts online with the hashtag #LetsMove.
For cricket lovers, this year’s Olympic Day carries extra significance. The sport’s return to the Olympics after 128 years is a milestone worth celebrating. As Shah and the BCCI highlighted, cricket’s power to unite and inspire is undeniable. Whether it’s through a neighborhood match or an Olympic showdown, the game continues to bring people together.
The road to LA28 is just beginning. With cricket’s inclusion, the Olympics will reach new audiences, and the sport itself will gain even greater global recognition. For now, the focus remains on movement, health, and the shared joy of sports. So grab a friend, pick up a bat or lace up your sneakers, and let’s move.