For decades, cricket has largely been confined to parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. While the West Indies helped maintain a presence in the Americas, the sport has struggled to establish a foothold on the mainlands of North and South America. In recent years, interest in cricket has begun to emerge in South America, yet no major international tournament has been staged there—until now.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an ambitious initiative to expand the game into South America. In a historic first, cricket will be included in the upcoming Pan-American Games. This move could spark a surge in the sport’s popularity in Argentina, home of Lionel Messi, and Brazil, where Neymar has long been a football icon.
The ICC’s efforts to globalise cricket are not new. The sport has previously been part of multi-sport events, such as the Asian Games and the 2023 African Games. Cricket also made a remarkable return to the international stage at the Los Angeles Olympics after nearly 128 years. Building on this momentum, players will compete in cricket at the Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru, for the first time in 2027.
During a recent meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, ICC Chairman Jay Shah and CEO Sanjog Gupta discussed the inclusion of cricket in major multi-sport events with the International Olympic Committee and organisers of future Olympics. Key topics included tournament formats, qualification criteria, and event logistics.
This global expansion strategy not only opens doors for players in new regions but also accelerates cricket’s worldwide growth. By introducing the sport to audiences across the Americas, the ICC hopes to create a more inclusive and diverse international cricket community, making the game accessible to millions more fans.
Key Information:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2028 Los Angeles Olympics |
| Competition Categories | Men’s and Women’s |
| Total Matches | 28 |
| Teams per Category | 6 |
| Team Qualification | 5 regional top teams (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania), 1 host nation (USA), 1 from qualifiers |
| Opening Date | 12 July 2028 |
| Venue | Fairgrounds Stadium, 50 km from Los Angeles |
| Other International Events | 2026: Japan, Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games; 2027: Cairo, Egypt African Games; 2027: Lima, Peru Pan-American Games |
| Future Plans | Discussions underway to include cricket at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics |
With these developments, cricket is poised to reach corners of the world that have rarely experienced the sport at an international level, bringing fresh opportunities for players and fans alike.