CRICKET
Virat Kohli’s advocacy leads cricket to Global stage at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Former India skipper Virat Kohli is the most followed athlete on Instagram after Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, for the first time in the Olympics, Cricket has been officially included in the Los Angeles 2028. The last cricket was played in the 1900 Olympics in Paris. It was a two-Test between Great Britain and France with the British team winning the Gold Medal.
Meanwhile, ahead of the official announcement of cricket’s inclusion in the game, Niccolo Campriani, director of LA LOCOG said that Kohli has more followers than the likes of LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Tiger Woods. It seems that the former India skipper played an indirect role in the sport’s inclusion in the event.
“We all recognise the critical importance of a strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth. 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,” Campriani said.
“The IOC and the cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries, while the Olympic movement gains access to previously untapped communities of athletes and fans. It’s a great example of how one can reach the other.”