Construction begins on cricket venue for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

LOS ANGELES: Construction on the cricket venue for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games began on Wednesday, marking what the International Cricket Council described as a key step in the sport’s return to the Olympics after 128 years.

The ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona, in Los Angeles County, where ICC Chairman Jay Shah joined other officials for the event.

Shah said the start of work on the venue represented a significant moment for the sport and its stakeholders.

"Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it, he said. "The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket's return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC members and stakeholders worldwide."

Cricket is set to feature again at the Olympic Games after an absence of 128 years, and the start of construction on the venue is being seen by the ICC as an important development in preparations for LA28.

ICC highlights global growth ambitions

ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the Los Angeles Games would play an important role in taking the sport beyond its traditional strongholds.

"The momentum for our game has never been stronger, with strong participation growth across the world," he said.

The ICC said cricket’s inclusion in LA28 would offer an opportunity to encourage more young people to take up the sport. It also said the Olympic platform would help expand cricket’s audience across different continents and support the game’s wider international growth.

According to the ICC, the Los Angeles Olympics will include T20 cricket competitions in both the men’s and women’s categories.

The beginning of construction at the Pomona site comes as organisers and cricket authorities continue preparations for the sport’s Olympic return, with the ICC presenting the development as a milestone in efforts to broaden cricket’s reach globally.

The ceremony brought together senior cricket officials as work formally got under way on the venue that is due to host the Olympic matches in 2028. The ICC has linked the event to its broader objective of increasing participation and strengthening the game’s presence in regions beyond its established bases.

With T20 tournaments planned for both men and women at LA28, the Olympic appearance is expected by cricket’s governing body to provide a high-profile stage for the sport and help connect it with new audiences around the world.