Cricket’s grand comeback to the Olympic stage at Los Angeles 2028 isn’t just a global milestone; it is also a significant moment for India’s sporting landscape. IOC president Kirsty Coventry believes this move will significantly strengthen the organisation’s bond with millions of Indian fans who have long championed cricket on the world stage. With the T20 format officially included in the LA28 Games, the Olympic movement is poised to tap into one of the most passionate and influential fan bases in global sport.
Coventry, an accomplished Olympian and the first woman to lead the IOC, highlighted the significance of this development during a recorded address at the CNBC TV18 Global Leadership Summit.
“With cricket returning to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028, the connection will only grow stronger, bringing the magic of the Games even closer to the hearts of Indian fans,” she said, emphasising how this inclusion could deepen India’s engagement with the Olympics.
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She also remarked that India has “every reason to look to the future with great confidence,” noting not only cricket’s Olympic return but also India’s ongoing bid to host the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad proposed as the host city. This ambition reflects India’s evolving status as a global sporting force, backed by improved infrastructure and growing institutional support.
With cricket returning to the Olympic program at Los Angeles 2028 the connection will only go stronger bringing the magic of games closer to the hearts of Indian fans is expected to grow stronger.
– Kirsty Coventry ( IOC President)
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 7, 2025
The IOC president acknowledged India’s rising presence at the recent Olympic Games, both in terms of athlete participation and fan interest. With Indian athletes consistently breaking new ground and audiences showing unprecedented enthusiasm, the country has emerged as a key market for Olympic growth.
To build on this momentum, the IOC is currently conducting an open tender to select a broadcasting partner capable of delivering the Games to viewers across India. Coventry said the aim is to “bring the magic of the Olympic Games to every corner of this extraordinary country.”
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She further emphasised the IOC’s commitment to forging partnerships rooted in integrity, innovation, and social impact, noting that such collaborations play a vital role in supporting athletes and enhancing the Games. Looking ahead, Coventry expressed optimism about building deeper connections in India, stating that combining sport and business can create new opportunities, inspire inclusion, and ignite the dreams of the next generation.
