Pomona Stadium Construction Begins For Cricket’s Olympic Run At LA28

LOS ANGELES, CA -The International Cricket Council (ICC) has welcomed the start of construction of the cricket stadium here, calling it a major milestone as the sport prepares to return to the Olympic Games at LA28 after 128 years.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Fairplex Grounds on April 22.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah 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. We’re confident this venue will take center-stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA.”

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta, who attended the ceremony, said the governing body remains focused on

expanding cricket globally, with its Olympic return marking a significant step toward that goal.

Among those attending the ceremony were LA28 Vice President of Sports Niccolo Campriani, Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, Consul General of India in Los Angeles Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Knight Riders Sports Chief Executive Officer Venky Mysore, and Fairplex President and Chief Executive Officer Walter Marquez.

The inclusion of cricket in LA28 is being seen as a major opportunity to expand the sport beyond its traditional strongholds and build a larger fan base in the Americas.

Cricket’s return to the Olympic movement is also expected to increase funding and institutional support in many countries. The gap between established teams and emerging nations has narrowed in recent years, particularly in the T20I format, which will feature in both the men’s and women’s competitions at LA28. (IANS)–