CRICKET is to return to the Olympics for the first timesince 1900.
It will be played along with lacrosse, squash and baseball following a request by the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The International Olympic Committee approved five new sports at a meeting in Mumbai, India, yesterday.
Organisers of LA 2028 also successfully applied for the inclusion of flag football, a non-contact form of American football.
International Cricket Council chairman Greg Barclay said: “It is a significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century.”
Cricket was a favourite to be chosen because of its hugeappeal in India.
It is believed the TV rights for the Games will now rise from around £20million to £200m on the subcontinent. India is also considering bidding for future Olympics. The LA Games plan a six-team T20 cricket tournament, the short format of the game.
Cities which host the Olympics can ask for the inclusion of several sports. IOC President Thomas Bach said: “These sports are fully in line with the culture of our hosts in 2028.
“They will showcase iconic American sports to the world while bringing at the same time international sports to the US.”
Mr Bach added: “These sports will allow the Olympic movement to engage with new athletes and fans.”
The IOC also wants modern pentathlon included, and weightlifting secured its spot following changes to anti-doping testing procedures.
The decision to allow the five new sports is set to be rubber-stamped tomorrow.