This decision to include cricket in the 2028 Olympics is part of a more extensive strategy to introduce new sports that can capture the interest of a broader and younger audience.
The announcement of cricket’s inclusion, along with several other sports, was made by IOC President Thomas Bach. This decision came after the recommendation of the Executive Board was put to a vote, with members indicating their approval through a show of hands.
The significant following of cricket in India and the support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the International Cricket Council‘s (ICC) Olympic bid played a pivotal role in securing a place in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
While making his case to the ongoing IOC session, Italian shooter and Olympic Gold medalist Niccolo Campriani mentioned the immense popularity of Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
Nicollo Campriani on Virat Kohli’s popularity
Campriani, currently serving as the Director in LA28, highlighted that Kohli is the third-most followed athlete globally, boasting an impressive 340 million social media followers. This remarkable statistic surpasses the combined following of iconic figures such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Tiger Woods.
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He emphasized that including cricket in the Olympics represents a triumphant outcome for LA28, the IOC, and the cricket community, as it offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the sport globally and promote its growth beyond the traditional cricket-playing nations.
“My friend here, Virat (Kohli), is the third-most followed athlete in the world, with 340 million followers on social media. That is more than Le Bron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined. “This is the ultimate win-win-win for the LA28, the IOC and cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries,” added the champion shooter,” said Campriani during his speech.
It’s worth noting that Kohli is currently a part of the Indian cricket team competing in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. At 36 years of age, he has been showcasing remarkable form, amassing an impressive total of 156 runs in the three matches he has played so far.
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