After 128 Years, Cricket Begins Olympic Return in California with New LA Stadium

Cricket is set for a historic return to the Olympics in 2028 after more than a century and 128 years , and the journey has now taken a major step forward in Southern California with the construction of a new international stadium in Pomona , Los Angeles County.

The upcoming venue will have a capacity of over 10,000 spectators and is planned to host both men’s and women’s cricket competitions , featuring six teams in each category. Built at the Fairplex fairgrounds, the stadium is expected to become a key cricketing hub in the United States during the Olympic Games.

The project is closely associated with the Los Angeles Knight Riders , a Major League Cricket franchise owned by Mumbai based Knight Riders Sports, co led by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan . The groundbreaking ceremony began with a traditional bhumi pujan , marking a culturally significant start to construction.

Officials and stakeholders believe the stadium represents more than infrastructure. It signals a growing ambition to bring cricket into the mainstream American sports landscape . Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Sports, said Olympic inclusion could help introduce the sport to audiences beyond traditional diaspora communities.

Cricket already has a developing presence in the United States, with professional franchises and limited international venues in states such as Texas and Florida. However, the Pomona stadium stands out as one of the first purpose built international cricket venues in a major US sports market.

The sport’s modern revival in the country gained momentum after the US team’s upset win over Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup , along with increasing participation from young domestic players.

Despite optimism, experts note that long term success will depend on building consistent local fan engagement and encouraging youth participation.

As the countdown to the Los Angeles Olympics continues, the Pomona stadium stands as a powerful symbol of cricket’s global expansion and Olympic revival .