Political Tensions Threaten Cricket’s Olympic Comeback at LA 2028
Cricket’s historic return to the Olympics at the Los Angeles 2028 Games is under a dark cloud. Persistent political tensions between India and Pakistan are raising serious questions about the sport’s global unity and its future on the Olympic stage beyond a single appearance.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has pushed for Twenty20 cricket’s inclusion, banking on the fast-paced format to attract a new global audience. However, recurring geopolitical disputes are threatening to undermine this goal, casting doubt on cricket’s credibility as a unified international sport.
Recent Crises Highlight Deep-Running Fissures
The path to the Olympics has been marred by off-field conflicts that routinely overshadow on-field competition.
2026 T20 World Cup Boycott Threat: The recent crisis saw Pakistan threaten to boycott its high-profile match against India—cricket’s most lucrative rivalry—in protest of the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament schedule. This decision, which replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after security-related venue disputes, sparked major diplomatic friction within the ICC.
Asia Cup Handshake Controversy: This incident followed earlier drama during the Asia Cup, where a simple handshake between players became a globally scrutinized political event, highlighting how easily off-field tensions intrude on the sport.
While an emergency ICC meeting with the Pakistan and Bangladesh boards temporarily resolved the boycott threat, experts warn this only addressed a symptom, not the disease.
Governance Crisis: Can the ICC Act as a Neutral Body?
At the heart of the issue is a crisis in ICC governance. Veteran Indian journalist Chander Shekhar Luthra argues the current model is flawed, with excessive influence from powerful national boards like India’s Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“Meaningful reform is needed if cricket hopes to move beyond episodic Olympic participation,” Luthra states. He points out that political pressures from influential boards cripple the ICC’s impartiality and hinder the sport’s global growth. Luthra advocates for greater roles for former cricketers in administration, replacing politically appointed officials.
Broader Implications for India’s Olympic Ambitions
The politicization of cricket could impact larger sporting goals for the region, particularly India’s reported ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Such a bid requires demonstrating adherence to the Olympic Charter’s principles of neutrality and inclusivity.
Pakistani commentator Nauman Niaz points to incidents like the controversial removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL—seen as politically motivated—as red flags for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “The IOC operates on neutrality and impartiality,” Niaz told the Khaleej Times. He warns that such episodes suggest sport is subordinate to political agendas, potentially hindering India’s hosting aspirations.
Despite his critique, Niaz expressed support for an Indian Olympic bid, praising the country’s improving sports infrastructure and medal performances. However, he cautioned that unchecked political interference could be its biggest obstacle.
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The Central Question: Unity or Division?
The overarching debate is clear: Can cricket rise above South Asia’s geopolitical friction to present a united front on the world’s biggest sporting stage? The sport’s inclusion in LA 2028 is a pivotal opportunity. Supporters hope it will be a turning point for global growth. But for that promise to be realized, cricket’s administrators must first confront and resolve the deep-seated political undercurrents that continue to threaten every major tournament. The world will be watching to see if cricket can play as one team at the Olympics.
