Steve Smith has ticked just about every box he can in the game of cricket. 32 Test hundreds, multiple World Cups, countless Ashes moments, and a seat among the best to ever bat in the modern game. But for all of that, the Australian great says he is looking forward to two upcoming challenges more than any others: a final home Ashes series with England, and the chance to wear the green and gold for its 2028 Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

The Ashes Obsession

Smith will be back in the forefront for Australia's plans when England visits for the Ashes later this year. The rivalry remains the most historic contest in cricket, and Smith, who is third on the list of Ashes runs behind Sir Donald Bradman and Allan Border, is excited about another chapter. 

"I watched a lot of the series over in India and it was one of the best Test series I've seen in a long time," Smith said on Sky Sports. "The cricket that was played by both sides was exceptional. England's got a good team at the moment, and they are obviously playing a really aggressive brand of cricket. Coming down to Australia, especially for their batters, will be a huge challenge. The pitches for the last three or four years have been really tricky."

Australia's bowling depth continues to be its biggest strength, and with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, they have one of the most experienced attacks in world cricket. "We have a very experienced bowling lineup that has been extremely successful for a long time," Smith added. "I think it's going to be a great series."

He also mentioned Joe Root's brilliant patch of form. "His ability to go from 50 to 100 time and time again has been incredible. He hasn't scored a hundred in Australia yet, and I'm sure that's something he wants to tick off his list too."

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The Olympics Dream

Outside of the urn, though, Smith's interest piques in the possibility of something brand new. Cricket is back in the Olympic Games for the first time in 128 years at LA28 (which happens to be 35-year-old Smith's CDL - career-defining like). Smith concedes it's hard to resist the prospect of being involved in such a global entity, especially when he is standing on the precipice of human history.

“I heard cricket was going to be involved, I thought that would be cool to be a part of,” Smith told Sky Sports. “I've played in lots of World Cups and Ashes and Border-Gavaskar Trophies, but this is something new. A new opportunity to represent your nation on the world stage. I'd love to be a part of that. But still a fair bit away, so we'll see."

In Los Angeles, the men's and women's T20 tournaments will be cricket's grand re-entrance into the Olympic Games. For players like Smith, who have achieved their success in traditional match formats, the Olympic Games present a unique opportunity to showcase cricket to a new audience and write a new chapter in history.

A Legacy Still Unfolding

Smith, at a time when most have begun to slow down, is still motivated. A new Ashes series, a potential Olympic appearance, and the chance to inspire generations mean he remains hungry. 

"I’ve always been a fan of the Olympics since I was a kid, and watching Australian representatives compete has always given me a really good feeling. It would be an amazing feeling to do that in cricket," he said. 

Whether lifting the urn on home soil or chasing gold across the ocean in Los Angeles, Steve Smith isn’t finished yet. His career, already considered one of the greatest in Australian cricket, still has chapters left to fill.

In what could be a major blow to cricket fans in Pakistan and New Zealand, the men's national teams from both countries are unlikely to feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) finalisation of its qualification criteria.

The ICC, during its Annual General Meeting held in Singapore, has opted for a regional qualification system to decide the six participating teams in the men’s T20 cricket competition at the LA28 Games.

Top-Ranked Teams to Earn Direct Qualification

The format proposes that the highest-ranked T20I team from each continent, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa, will earn direct qualification, while the United States will participate automatically as the host nation, representing the Americas. If the rankings were to be frozen today, the Olympic lineup would likely include:

• India (Asia)
  
• Australia (Oceania)
  
• Great Britain (Europe)
  
• South Africa (Africa)
  
• USA (Hosts, Americas)
  

That leaves just one spot up for grabs, with several strong teams including Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies set to compete for it, should they wish to qualify.

Pakistan and New Zealand Disappointed

Pakistan (ranked 8th) and New Zealand (ranked 4th) are among the teams that are likely to be left out under the current system, unless they secure the final berth through the yet-to-be-finalised qualification route. Both nations are understood to be unhappy with the model, which they feel disadvantages high-performing teams from competitive regions.

India leads Asia comfortably, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka being out of the reckoning under the present ICC T20I rankings. As for Oceania, Australia is ranked above New Zealand and is thus considered to be fixed as the continental representative. Despite all these conditions placed for ensuring regional diversity, ironically, some of the best-performing sides in the sport find themselves ignored.

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Sixth Spot Still Open - Qualification Channel Expected

Five of the six slots are almost finalised, barring the route for the sixth and final spot. As the next T20 World Cup readies itself, rumor has it that the five best teams not already qualified, along with the host nation, will be competing for the last Olympic slot in a separate qualifier.

This format would expand the pool and offer a lifeline to teams like Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies, allowing them to compete on ranking and merit rather than regional allocation alone. It is expected that this will be formally confirmed closer to the 2026–27 window.

IOC Pushes for Global Representation

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has backed the regional system, aiming to ensure broader geographic representation and elevate cricket’s global appeal. The decision also echoes the structure followed during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where Barbados represented the Caribbean as a unified team.

However, the USA’s participation isn’t entirely guaranteed. The American cricket board must still receive National Governing Body (NGB) recognition from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to officially field a team in the Games.

LA28 Cricket Schedule Confirmed

Cricket's long-awaited Olympic return after a 128-year absence will feature six teams each in the men's and women's competitions, all competing in the T20 format.

• Dates: July 12 to July 29, 2028
  
• Men's Final: July 29
  
• Women's Medal Match: July 20
  
• Venue: Fairgrounds Stadium, Pomena (approx. 50 km from Los Angeles)
  
• Squad Size: 15 players per team (90 men and 90 women in total)
  

Cricket was last played in the Olympics in 1900, where Great Britain defeated France in the only match of the tournament. While the model has not been officially ratified by the ICC Board, a reversal is unlikely. With the next T20 World Cup nearing, the expectation is that the top five non-qualified nations, alongside the host, may play off for the final spot, a move that could keep Olympic hopes alive for traditional powerhouses like Pakistan and New Zealand.

A regional cricket competition is set to be staged in the Caribbean next year to decide which nation will represent the West Indies at a global qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. With just one men’s T20 spot up for grabs through a final qualifier featuring eight teams, the upcoming regional event takes on historic significance as the path to Olympic glory becomes clearer.

The unique challenge facing the Caribbean stems from the structure of West Indies cricket itself. Traditionally, a unified West Indies team made up of multiple sovereign nations and territories such as Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and others competes in international tournaments under the governance of Cricket West Indies (CWI). However, the Olympics only permit participation by individual sovereign nations, not composite teams. As such, the West Indies cannot compete as a single entity in the Olympics, forcing the need for a regional playoff to determine a single representative nation.

A Rare Opportunity for Smaller Caribbean Nations

CWI President Kishore Shallow confirmed that a dedicated Olympic committee has been formed to oversee the process and will determine how many nations will compete in the Caribbean qualifier. “We welcome it, we embrace it,” Shallow said during the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore. “We’re going to try our best to use this exposure, this platform, to incentivize all our stakeholders.”

He added that the Olympic pathway could spark greater investment from regional governments and sponsors, boosting national pride and potentially rejuvenating grassroots cricket. “There will be more national interest and could also mean more commitment from players to play for their countries.”

A Global Qualifier Awaits in 2027

The regional winner from the Caribbean will advance to the global qualifier expected in 2027, where eight nations will battle for the sixth and final men’s Olympic T20 spot. Already expected in the line-up are New Zealand, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and four prominent Asian sides Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who may miss direct qualification through regional rankings.

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The five direct Olympic spots are allocated to the top-ranked teams from four ICC regions (Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania) alongside the host nation, the United States, who qualify automatically as the Americas’ representative. If the Olympic qualification cut-off were today, the automatic entries would be:

• India (Asia)
  
• Australia (Oceania)
  
• England/Great Britain (Europe)
  
• South Africa (Africa)
  
• USA (Host/Americas)
  

The remaining eight highest-ranked teams not qualified via this route will get a final shot at the global qualifier, with only one Olympic ticket on offer.

Olympic Format and Future Expansion

The men's and women's T20 tournaments at the 2028 Games will each feature six teams, played over two weeks from July 12–29 in Pomona, just outside Los Angeles. Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics is considered a trial, with a successful showing in LA possibly opening the door to expanded formats at the 2032 Brisbane Games, which could feature up to 12 teams per gender and a combination of rankings and qualifiers.

For now, the Caribbean regional tournament is expected to deliver fierce rivalries and a rare sense of nationalism within the cricketing fraternity, as players may be called upon to represent their specific nations instead of the collective West Indies badge.

Exact dates, venues, and participating countries for the Caribbean qualifier will be announced in due course. While traditional powerhouses like Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados are likely front-runners, smaller nations could also mount a strong case, especially if top players commit to the Olympic vision. The road to LA 2028 has already begun, and for the West Indies region, it’s a journey unlike any other.

On June 23, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and International Cricket Council (ICC) chair Jay Shah celebrated Olympic Day with a goal of bringing the Games to India. The Olympic Day is an IOC initiative that is celebrated annually on June 23 to commemorate the birth of the Olympic Games. While cricket is expected to be an integral sport in which India will participate, Jay Shah's vision also encompasses bringing more games to India outside of cricket.

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A historic leap for cricket as it joins the Olympic movement

Both the BCCI and the ICC chair took to their respective Twitter handles to celebrate this auspicious occasion on Olympic Day. The scope of the game has risen in recent times as cricket is all set to be featured in the upcoming 2028 Olympics for the first time in 128 years. Utilizing their individual social media accounts, they additionally endorsed the 'Let's Move +1 India' initiative organized by the International Olympic Committee in partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation.

“Cricket has always united us, and now, it’s part of the Olympic movement!" Shah wrote on X. “On this #OlympicDay, let’s celebrate the power of sport to inspire, connect, and uplift. Invite your +1 for a walk, a run, or a game of cricket, and take a step towards a stronger, healthier India. Together, let’s keep moving forward on our journey to bring the Olympic Games home!"

Cricket has joined the Olympic movement- a historic leap for our beloved sport! 🏏

This #OlympicDay, let’s celebrate the power of sports to connect and inspire. Through the #LetsMove campaign, we invite you to pick your +1 and move - whether it’s a walk, a run, or a game of… pic.twitter.com/U6kVP7I8NA

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 23, 2025

Following the submission of an expression of interest (EOI) to host the 2032 Summer Olympics, India has also raised their request to host the 2036 edition, with the city of Ahmedabad likely going to play host. It will encounter significant competition from Poland, Indonesia, South Africa, Qatar, Hungary, Turkiye, Mexico, and Egypt, all of whom are also contenders. Cricket is set to be included in the Games starting from the 2028 edition.

Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games after 128 years, and the United Kingdom may enter with a single team under the name of Great Britain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have started talks to form a combined team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The boards get on well and are cooperating to compile a Team GB cricket team, Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade says. The reason behind this is that the British Olympic Association (BOA) needs a British team that represents the country in the Olympics as one entity. The 2028 Olympics will include men’s and women’s T20 cricket tournaments. Only six teams will take part in each event, and each team will be allowed to select 15 players. The qualification process has not been confirmed yet by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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England and Scotland Working Together

England is currently ranked second in the world in men’s T20 cricket and third in the women’s rankings. Scotland, however, is outside the top ten in both formats. Forming a single Great Britain team could give both countries a better chance to qualify and compete under the limited six-team rule. In most Olympic sports, athletes from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compete together as Great Britain. Football has been an exception, but even there, the BOA hopes to bring a Team GB men’s football team to the 2028 Olympics.

Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris. Back then, a team from Great Britain beat France in the only match of the tournament. In 2028, the cricket matches will be held at a temporary venue in Pomona, California. The idea of a Great Britain cricket team is gaining strong support. Talks between the ECB and Cricket Scotland are ongoing, and both sides are hopeful. If everything goes well, cricket fans could see a united British team on the Olympic stage for the first time in over a century.

Cricket is making a dramatic Olympic comeback after 128 years, with the legendary Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, named as the Olympic venue for the sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The Fairplex, a large 500-acre site famous for staging the LA County Fair, will be converted into a bespoke building for the Olympic cricket tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) received the decision with both hands. ICC Chair Jay Shah described the action as a "step forward" towards readying cricket for a return to the Olympics, citing it as an unprecedented opportunity to expand the sport into fresh markets with the popular T20 pace. Cricket and baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash are one of five sports to be recognized for inclusion at LA28.

Men's and Women's T20s to Have Six Teams Each

Both the men's and women's cricket competitions at LA28 will be in the form of T20s, with six teams for each. The IOC has approved a total of 90 slots per gender for players, so each country can have a complete 15-player team. The actual schedule will be released nearer the event, which takes place from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

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This will be cricket's first Olympic appearance since Paris 1900, when a single Great Britain vs. France match was held, now regarded as an unofficial Test. Since the late nineteenth century, cricket has appeared in multi-sport regional events such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, but LA28 will bestow upon it the long-awaited international Olympic stage.

The news follows increasing expectations and backing from officials, athletes, and fans alike. As matches are set to be held within a temporary stadium at Fairplex, the LA28 organizers have vowed to provide an elite experience for fans and competitors alike, taking advantage of the venue's storied past and the international stature of Los Angeles. As the clock ticks down to 2028, cricket's return to the Olympic fold marks not only a moment of historic return but an opportunity to engage a fresh generation of supporters on the world's greatest sporting stage.

Cricket will grandly return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, closing a 128-year gap. It last appeared at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris, where the sole competition was between France and Great Britain in one men's match. Great Britain took the gold medal in what is now regarded as an unofficial Test.

Following the Paris 2024 Games, talks were held on incorporating cricket in the following Olympic edition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) collaborated to reintroduce the sport. Cricket's inclusion was formally ratified in 2023 for LA28. The competition will involve gold, silver, and bronze medals, allowing half of the teams competing to have a podium finish in each game, making every match very competitive.

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Six-Team T20 Format to be Part of LA 2028

In LA 2028, cricket will be staged in the high-intensity T20 format, with six teams participating in both men and women's divisions. Each team will consist of a 15-player squad, with a combined 90 athlete quotas per gender. This translates to stiff competition among leading cricketing nations, given that only six places are available.

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USA, being the host country, is likely to receive a direct entry. That leaves only five spots remaining for qualification, which is still undecided. Nations such as India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand will be strong hopefuls in the men's section. In the women's section, sides such as England, Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka will be in contention as well. Cricket's return to the Olympics is a part of the trend of its participation in world sporting events.The sport was included in the 1998 Commonwealth Games (men's) and the 2022 Birmingham edition (women's). It was also included in the Asian Games of 2010, 2014, and 2023. 

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has opined about competing in the Olympics, and his answer was witty and light-hearted.

When queried about competing in the Olympic Games, Kohli replied:

"No, for the Olympics, I don't know. If we are playing for the Gold Medal Match, I will come back for one game, get a medal, and come back home (smiles)."

His smile as he said this indicates his sense of humor as well as recognition of the honor of earning an Olympic medal.

Virat Kohli said, " No, for the Olympics, I don't know. If we are playing for Gold Medal Match, I will come back for one game and get a Medal and come back home (smiles)". 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/omyvoSjArw

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) March 15, 2025

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Cricket is newly included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and fans are all set to enjoy watching their favorite stars like Kohli don the jersey for their country on such a big platform. Though Kohli's quote doesn't guarantee his participation, it indicates that the prospect of winning gold for India is close to his heart.

Meanwhile, fans will just have to wait and see if the cricket great makes an Olympic outing!

Many people see athletes as heroes, admired for their accomplishments and fame. However, the reality is that after their careers end, not all athletes continue to live the high life. Parag Patil, an Olympic medalist, is now driving a cab to support his family. But what's even more surprising is that Suraj Randiv, a former World Cup cricket hero, is also facing his own struggles in life after cricket.

Parag Patil: From Olympic Medals to Driving a Cab

Parag Patil once made India proud by winning 2 gold medals, 11 silver, and 3 bronze medals in athletics. He was a top athlete, excelling in the triple jump and long jump. Despite his success, life after retirement has been tough. Today, he drives an app-based taxi in Mumbai, just to make enough money to support his family. His story became well-known when entrepreneur Aaryan Singh Kushwah shared his surprise about meeting Patil, who had once been a celebrated athlete.

Suraj Randiv: A Cricket World Cup Hero Facing Tough Times

While Parag Patil's story shocked many, he is not the only athlete who has faced tough times after retiring. Suraj Randiv, who played in the 2011 World Cup final for Sri Lanka against India, is also struggling. Randiv, a former cricketer who represented Sri Lanka in 12 Tests, 31 ODIs, and 7 T20Is, now works as a bus driver in Melbourne, Australia.

Randiv, once a key player for his country, now shares this job with two other former international cricketers, Chinthaka Jayasinghe and Waddington Mwayenga. These three cricketers, who once played on the world stage, are now driving buses, showing how even the biggest names in cricket can face financial difficulties once their playing days are over.

The Reality After the Fame

The stories of both Parag Patil and Suraj Randiv highlight a difficult truth: many athletes struggle financially after their careers. While today’s stars often benefit from big contracts and sponsorships, older athletes don't have those opportunities. As a result, many retired athletes find themselves in new jobs far away from their sports, just to survive.

Parag Patil and Suraj Randiv, once known for their greatness in their fields, now live very different lives. These changes show the challenges that come with life after sports and how even the most successful athletes can face hard times.

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The Bigger Issue: Financial Struggles of Retired Athletes

The struggles of Parag Patil and Suraj Randiv are not unique. Many retired athletes, no matter what sport they play, face financial difficulties after they retire. While some modern athletes have plenty of opportunities to earn money, athletes like Patil and Randiv had fewer chances to secure their future after their careers ended.

The reality is that after retiring, many former athletes have to start new careers, sometimes doing jobs that are a world apart from their time in the spotlight.

Conclusion: Champions in More Than One Way

Even though Parag Patil and Suraj Randiv are no longer in the spotlight, their stories show the true meaning of being a champion. Despite the struggles they face, they continue to push forward and adapt to life after their sports careers. Their stories remind us that even the biggest stars sometimes have to face tough times, but it's their strength to keep going that makes them real champions.

India officially made a bid to host the Summer Olympics 2036 along with the Summer Paralympics 2036. The media reports have also revealed the names of the sports that could be added to the Summer Olympics 2036. 

According to several media reports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially made the formal bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics 2036 by sending a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is the initial step for a country to officially announce the hosting 

While Paris in France recently hosted the Summer Olympics (Paris 2024), Los Angeles in the United States and Brisbane in Australia will host the next two Summer Olympics (Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032).

India battling with other strong countries

Some countries are running to secure the hosting rights for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036. India is reportedly fighting against Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Qatar, Poland, Egypt, Hungary, South Korea, etc in the battle for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036 hosting rights.

Only three Asian countries have hosted the Summer Olympics. These Asian countries are China, South Korea, and Japan. Meanwhile, Japan is the only Asian country to host the Summer Olympics twice (1964 and 2020).

I am optimistic: IOA President

IOA President PT Usha is optimistic about India’s chance to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036.

Usha stated in a statement, “Since last year, we have maintained regular communication with IOC President Thomas Bach and with the officials of the future host commission. We also remained in touch with the officials at the Paris Olympics, during which our officers attended the executive program and observer program organised by the IOC. These interactions and learning led to the submission of the letter of intent in early October.”

“Despite some internal challenges within the IOA, our commitment remains steadfast. I am optimistic that India will be viewed by the IOC as a gracious host.”

Ahmedabad is the frontrunner if India wins the hosting rights for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036. It is likely to be announced at the IOC session in 2015. 

Cricket will be a part if India hosts Olympics 2036

If India hosts the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036, yoga, kabaddi, chess, T20 Cricket, and squash can be included.

Cricket is set to return in the next edition, LA28. Previously, the game only featured in the Summer Olympics in 1900. While Brisbane will host the 2032 edition, there is no doubt about the presence of cricket due to a strong culture in the country for the game.