Jemimah Rodrigues ‘can’t wait’ to represent India at Olympics as cricket set to return in 2028 after 128 years

One of the key assets of Indian women's cricket, Jemimah Rodrigues is excited to represent India at the Olympics as cricket returns to the grand stage after 128 years. In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that cricket (both men’s and women’s) would be one of five new sports at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

Rodrigues’ reaction comes after she was impressed with the Indian athletes who gave their all in the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024. Congratulating all Indian athletes for their "passion, commitment, perseverance and grit", she also expressed her joy at playing cricket in the biggest sporting event after four years.

“Loved wearing this current Indian Olympic jersey. Can't wait to play Cricket for India at the Olympics soon!! Man, what a feeling that'd be. Also, our Indian athletes have shown tremendous passion, commitment, persistence and grit! Win or lose, we're proud of you,” Rodrigues wrote on Instagram, wearing an Indian Olympic jersey.

Check out Jemimah Rodrigues’ Instagram post below:

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A post shared by Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues (@jemimahrodrigues)

The last time cricket played at the quadrennial global gala was in 1900. It was a two-day match between teams from Great Britain and France, in which the former won by 158 runs. Although there is no official confirmation, it is reported that cricket will be played in a 20-over format.

Also Read: Rating India's performance at Paris Olympics 2024

I'm really excited about where the game's headed: Ricky Ponting on cricket's return to the Olympics

Meanwhile, legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting also came forward to express his enthusiasm for the reintroduction of cricket in the Olympics. The three-time ODI World Cup winner believes that adding cricket to the marquee event can only be a positive thing for our game” as the sport will reach a larger audience. 

“The Olympic Games being viewed by so many people all around the world, it just opens up completely different audiences to our game which is seemingly growing on a daily basis anyway. Facilities and infrastructure and those things are going to be key and how many teams they decide on. I'm really excited about where the game's headed and the growth of different markets that we're seeing emerge," Ponting said.  

Also Read: Ricky Ponting opens up about future coaching ambitions as vacancy arises in England’s white-ball cricket