‘Major milestone’ - ICC chairman reacts as ground broken for LA28 stadium, cricket’s return to Olympics

POMONA, California:

A historic chapter in sports was written on Wednesday as construction officially began on a new cricket stadium at the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona, another major step towards the sport's triumphant return to the Olympic Games for the first time in 128 years.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) hailed the groundbreaking ceremony as a landmark moment for a sport that boasts 2.5 billion fans worldwide, as it prepares to take centre stage at the LA28 Games.

Jay Shah, the ICC chairman who attended the ceremony, described the occasion as a "major milestone" for global cricket.

"These are very exciting times for the game of cricket as it makes giant strides in establishing itself as a global sport," Shah said.

"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.

"We're confident this venue will take centre stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA."

GROUNDBREAKING

The ICC's Chief Executive, Sanjog Gupta, present at the Pomona site, echoed the sentiment, calling it a truly "groundbreaking" moment for both the sport and the Olympic Movement.

"The journey over the next two years will see many such milestones which enhance the sense of occasion, culture and community, as cricket's home for LA28 is built in Pomona," Gupta said.

"With inclusion in the Olympic Games and other regional multi-sport events, cricket has already stepped into a new era of global growth, powered by improved accessibility, elevated visibility and stronger institutional support."

Gupta noted that the momentum for cricket has never been stronger, pointing to record-breaking stadium attendance, digital engagement, and deep cultural impact at recent ICC events.

He added that strong participation growth and fan-first efforts to grow key markets will further bolster cricket's Olympic march.

The ceremony drew a diverse line-up of dignitaries, including LA28 Vice-President of Sports Niccolo Campriani, Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, Consul General of India in Los Angeles K. J. Srinivasa, Knight Riders Sports CEO Mr Venky Mysore, and Fairplex President and CEO Walter Marquez.

Cricket's inclusion in LA28 is viewed as a seismic opportunity to expand the sport beyond its traditional strongholds and drive impact across the Americas.

With both men's and women's T20I competitions set to feature, the Olympic platform is expected to unlock new government funding, inspire youth participation, and further close the gap between emerging nations and traditional powerhouses.

- CMC