The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed that Pomona, a vibrant Southern California city, will host the cricket tournaments during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This marks a historic moment as cricket returns to the Olympic stage after a 128-year hiatus, last appearing in 1900 at the Paris Games.

The cricket events, featuring six teams each in men’s and women’s competitions, will take place at the Pomona Fairgrounds, commonly known as Fairplex. Located 48 kilometres east of Los Angeles, the main Olympic hub, Fairplex is a sprawling venue renowned for hosting conventions, trade shows, educational initiatives, and motorsport events. However, it currently lacks a dedicated cricket pitch, prompting curiosity about how the facility will be adapted for the global sport.

ICC chairman Jay Shah hailed the venue selection as a pivotal step in cricket’s Olympic journey. “The announcement is a milestone in our preparations,” Shah said. “Cricket, already a global phenomenon, will leverage the dynamic T20 format at LA28 to engage new fans and transcend traditional boundaries.” The T20 format, known for its fast-paced, three-hour matches, is celebrated for driving cricket’s growth, making it ideal for the Olympic spotlight.

Cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 program was confirmed at the International Olympic Committee’s 141st Session in Mumbai in October 2023. It joins five other new sports—baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash—adding diversity to the Olympic lineup. The decision reflects cricket’s rising global appeal, particularly in regions like South Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean.

The T20 format has proven its versatility in multi-sport events, featuring in the Asian Games (2010, 2014, 2023) for both men’s and women’s teams and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games for women’s cricket. These appearances have showcased cricket’s ability to captivate diverse audiences.

Pomona’s selection underscores its growing prominence as a cultural and sporting hub. With the Olympics as a platform, cricket aims to expand its footprint in the United States, where the sport is gaining traction through initiatives like Major League Cricket. The LA28 cricket events promise to blend athletic excellence with cultural celebration, setting the stage for a memorable Olympic chapter.

Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach, Munaf Patel, has been fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the intense match against Rajasthan Royals. This match, held on April 16, 2025, saw Delhi Capitals secure a dramatic victory in a Super Over after both teams finished with 188 runs.

According to an IPL announcement, Patel acknowledged his Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which addresses actions that go against the spirit of the game. The statement confirmed that Patel’s fine and demerit points were a result of this violation during the game played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

While the specific details of his offence were not disclosed, it is believed that the penalty stemmed from his dispute with a match official when he was denied the opportunity to send a player onto the field to deliver a message.

Munaf Patel, who played a vital role in India’s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup under captain M.S. Dhoni, joined the Delhi Capitals coaching staff in November 2024, succeeding James Hopes.

Article 2.20 of the IPL Code of Conduct encompasses various behaviours that contradict the spirit of the sport but are not explicitly addressed in other sections. It may include, depending on the severity and context, various infractions such as using illegal equipment or failing to adhere to certain match conditions.

The IPL Code also notes that the context of the offence, including intent and circumstances, is taken into account in determining the severity of the conduct, ranging from minor infractions categorised as Level 1 offences to serious breaches classified as Level 4 offences.

Following India’s 3-1 Test series defeat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly preparing to make significant changes to the national team’s support staff. According to sources, the board is set to sack three key members from Gautam Gambhir’s coaching setup amid concerns over dressing room leaks and internal unrest.

Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar likely to be removed

Abhishek Nayar, who joined as assistant coach just eight months ago, is reportedly on the way out. Despite being a respected name in the domestic circuit and within the team management, Nayar is expected to be relieved of his duties. The move comes amidst a wave of reports suggesting internal tensions and leaks from the Indian dressing room following the recent series defeat.

While there has been no official confirmation from the BCCI, insiders have revealed that the board had issued a directive indicating that support staff members who have been with the team for over three years may be released. In line with this, fielding coach T Dilip and strength and conditioning trainer Soham Desai are also likely to be removed.

No replacements for Nayar and Dilip; Kotak and Doeschate to step up

Reports indicate that the board will not appoint direct replacements for Nayar and Dilip. Instead, Sitanshu Kotak, a stalwart of the domestic game who is already part of the team’s coaching structure, is expected to assume broader responsibilities. Former Netherlands cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate will take over fielding duties.

Meanwhile, South African fitness expert Adrian Le Roux is likely to take over Desai’s role post-IPL. Le Roux, currently associated with Punjab Kings, has a long history in cricket fitness roles, including previous stints with Kolkata Knight Riders (2008–2019) and the Indian team (2002–2003).

Gautam Gambhir addresses unrest, calls for unity and performance

In the midst of the controversy, India head coach Gautam Gambhir has attempted to downplay the unrest within the team. Speaking to the media, Gambhir emphasized the importance of keeping dressing room discussions private and reaffirmed his commitment to honest and performance-driven team culture.

“Debates between coach and player should remain in the dressing room,” said Gambhir, denying the authenticity of the leaked reports. “There were honest words, and honesty is important. Indian cricket will be in safe hands as long as honest people stay in the dressing room,” he added.

He reiterated the value of a “team first” mindset, underlining that while individual flair is appreciated, the team’s needs must take precedence.