As T20 cricket’s inclusion was confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, conversations around the momentous decision flooded social media. More than the fact that cricket will be gracing the grandest stage of sports in the world, Sports Director at LA28, Niccolo Campriani was more excited about the fact that Virat Kohli may be a part of the global event.

The International Olympic Committee approved the inclusion of cricket for the 2028 games that is to be hosted by Los Angeles. Alongside cricket, baseball-softball, lacrosse, squash and flag football were also made a part of the prized Games.

While making the pitch in Mumbai, Campriani said, “My friend here, Virat (Kohli) is the third-most followed athlete in the world with 340 million followers on social media. That is more than Le Bron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined.”

He further added, “This is the ultimate win-win-win for the LA28, the IOC and cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries.”

LA Sports Director on King Kohli:

Virat Kohli is one of the main reasons behind Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic. pic.twitter.com/upCYsQsI2a

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 16, 2023

BCCI secretary Jay Shah also shared his thoughts and said, “The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is set to open new frontiers for the sport, providing unparalleled exposure in untapped global markets.”

He further added, “Moreover, we anticipate that this decision will yield significant financial dividends and have a profound positive impact on our sport's ecosystem. It will fuel infrastructural development, intensify competition, foster youth development, and create opportunities for officials, volunteers, and skilled professionals.”