ICC Welcomes Start of LA Cricket Stadium Construction

The International Cricket Council has welcomed the commencement of construction work on a new cricket stadium in Pomona, California, marking a key milestone in the sport’s journey towards its long-awaited return to the Olympic stage at LA28.

A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona, symbolising the start of a major infrastructure project that will play a central role in cricket’s re-entry into the Olympic Games after a gap of 128 years.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the development as a landmark moment for cricket and its global fanbase of over 2.5 billion people. He highlighted the sport’s growing international footprint and emphasised that inclusion in the Olympics represents both pride and new opportunity for the cricketing world.

He added that the stadium is expected to become a focal point during the LA28 Games and leave a lasting legacy for cricket in the United States, strengthening the game’s presence in non-traditional markets.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta, who attended the ceremony, said the development marks an important step in cricket’s evolution as a global sport. He noted that the next two years will feature several milestones as preparations continue for the Olympic tournament.

He further stated that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics and other multi-sport events signals a new era of growth, supported by increased visibility, stronger institutional backing, and wider accessibility. Recent ICC events have already demonstrated rising global engagement, with record attendance figures and growing digital and broadcast audiences.

The ceremony was also attended by several dignitaries, including LA28 Vice President of Sports Niccolò Campriani, Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, Consul General of India in Los Angeles Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore, and Fairplex President and CEO Walter Marquez.

Officials believe that cricket’s Olympic return will help expand the sport across the Americas, attract younger audiences, and accelerate global participation. The T20 format, which will feature in both men’s and women’s competitions at LA28, is expected to play a key role in making the sport more dynamic and accessible.

Experts also note that Olympic inclusion could lead to increased funding and government support for emerging cricket nations, helping to narrow the gap between established and developing teams in the international arena.