Los Angeles, Apr 23: Cricket, the world’s second most popular sport, is set to make a historic return to the Olympics in 2028 after a 126-year absence. The groundbreaking began in Pomona, California, for a brand-new cricket stadium that will host both men’s and women’s Olympic matches.

The stadium, located at the Fairplex fairgrounds in eastern Los Angeles County, will have a seating capacity of over 10,000. It will serve as the home ground for the Los Angeles Knight Riders, a Major League Cricket team owned by Knight Riders Sports, co-led by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The ceremonial start included a traditional Hindu bhumi pujan ritual, symbolizing blessings for the construction and respect for the earth.

Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics is seen as a turning point for the sport in the United States, where it has long been popular among South Asian diaspora communities. Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Sports, emphasized the commercial and cultural potential of the project. “People who watch the Olympics are not necessarily cricket fans. When cricket becomes an Olympic sport, that takes interest and awareness to the next level,” he said.

Currently, the U.S. has only three international-level cricket stadiums in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. The Pomona venue will be the first purpose-built stadium by Knight Riders Sports, marking a significant milestone for cricket’s growth in America.

Cricket journalist Peter Della Penna highlighted the importance of visibility for U.S. cricketers during the Olympics, noting that sharing the Olympic Village with athletes from track and field, swimming, and basketball will elevate the sport’s profile. Cricket’s history in the U.S. dates back to 1844, when the first international match was played between the U.S. and Canada. Interest surged again after the U.S. team’s surprise victory over Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Despite optimism, challenges remain. Former U.S. cricketer Reggie Benjamin expressed skepticism about attracting mainstream American fans and youth players. He pointed to financial troubles within USA Cricket and the need to focus on homegrown talent.

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Still, stakeholders remain hopeful. Walter Marquez, CEO of Fairplex, believes American audiences will embrace cricket once they experience the fast-paced T20 format. “American sports fans just don’t know they’re cricket fans yet,” he remarked.