Former Australian legend backs China to win gold in Cricket at 2028 LA Olympics

Former Australian legend backs China to win gold in Cricket at 2028 LA OlympicsCricket is set to make a grand return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a 128-year hiatus.

Steve Waugh backs China to win gold at LA 28

The cricket fans around the world are excited to watch the sport make a grand comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Indian cricket team, which recently won back-to-back ICC tournaments, would be hoping to showcase their domination at the event. Fans too would be hoping for nothing less than a gold, considering the recent performances.

This long-awaited announcement has ignited conversations among experts, former players, and fans alike, with predictions and analyses flooding in. Many have pegged traditional powerhouses like India and Australia as early favourites to clinch the coveted Olympic gold. However, former Australian captain and two-time World Cup winner Steve Waugh has backed China and called it a major contender for gold medal.

Speaking to India Today, Waugh shared his unique perspective on the evolving cricket landscape. "As soon as cricket's inclusion in the Olympics was announced, China started building a team. They are serious about winning gold," Waugh revealed. He highlighted the growing influence of T20 cricket, emphasizing its commercial potential and future dominance.

"T20 is massive now. It's worth billions of dollars and growing every day. Test cricket will survive, but T20 will dominate. Players will soon be contracted mainly to franchises. Test matches might even need special permissions," he added.

Cricket at 2028 LA Olympics

The reintroduction of cricket into the Olympic Games marks the sport's return after a staggering 128-year absence — cricket was last featured at the Summer Olympics in Paris in 1900. The decision is seen as a strategic move to globalize the game further and tap into new audiences, especially in markets like the United States.

The 2028 Olympic cricket tournament will feature six teams each in both the men’s and women’s categories. Each squad will consist of 15 players, and matches will be played in the fast-paced T20 format, widely recognized as the most popular and commercially successful version of the game today.

This event will also mark another major milestone for cricket in America, following the successful hosting of the T20 World Cup in 2024. Enthusiasts and officials hope that Olympic exposure will help plant deeper roots for the sport in North America and beyond.

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