IOC Session: LA Olympics sports director explains how Virat Kohli's popularity is a 'win-win' for cricket's inclusion

Over the years, veteran India batter Virat Kohli has unarguably become one of the most influential cricketers across the world. So much so that Kohli’s popularity across the globe has been one of the major reasons for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according Niccolo Campriani, sports director of the Los Angeles Olympics organising committee.

Cricket, along with baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse and squash were included for the LA Olympics in 2028 after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session approved the said sports.

“We all recognise the critical importance of a strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth,” Campriani said at the ongoing IOC Session at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

“And cricket is offering a unique platform to do so. Think [about] my friend here Virat. He’s the third-most followed athlete in the world on social media with 314 million followers. That’s more than LeBron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined. This is the ultimate win-win for LA 28,” he added.

On Monday, IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), acknowledging Campriani’s comments, shared a post with a caption that read:  KOHLIFIED! “The Face and the Brand, not just for RCB or Team India, but for Cricket as a sport too! Sports Director at #LA28 explains why it’s a win-win to have Cricket at the #Olympics.

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The Face and the Brand, not just for RCB or Team India, but for Cricket as a sport too!

Sports Director at #LA28 explains why it’s a win-win to have Cricket at the #Olympics. #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/x2JJa7ALyZ

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 16, 2023

This not the first time cricket is being inducted into the Olympics. Cricket was part of the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, and only two teams, Great Britain and France, competed in it. Great Britain beat France to win the gold in Paris.

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar, too, took to ‘X’ (Formerly Twitter) to signify the dawn of a ‘new era’ in cricket.

“After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage at @LA28. This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special!,” Tendulkar had posted.

Virat Kohli, who made his international debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008, has amassed over 13,000 runs in ODIs and over 8,600 runs in Tests. In T20Is, Kohli has scored 4008 runs from 115 matches.

Kohli is currently with the Indian cricket team that is taking part in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup at home. India have got their campaign off to a positive start, registering wins over Australia, Afghanistan and arch-rivals Pakistan.