Usain Bolt eyes cricket switch, says ready to play Los Angeles Olympics for Jamaica

Usain Bolt eyes cricket switch [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]

Usain Bolt, a name synonymous with sprinting excellence, has now hinted at a potential new sporting chapter beyond the track. The former Jamaican sprinter, who once inspired to become a fast bowler for the West Indies cricket team, has expressed his readiness in switching to cricket for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A long-time admirer of the sport, Usain Bolt has often spoken about his fascination with cricket, and has even played with the likes of former West Indies captain Chris Gayle and legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.

Usain Bolt ready to represent Jamaica again, but in a different capacity

Cricket will be making its return to the Olympics after a gap of 128 years through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With cricket returning to the Olympics, Usain Bolt has indicated that he would be open to representing Jamaica if the opportunity and pathway present themselves. It is worth noting that the Jamaican cricket team will likely be taking part at the 2028 Olympics.

While talking to Esquire on the eve of the Doha marathon, the former sprinter said, “I’m ready to represent Jamaica at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”

An eight-time Olympic gold medallist, Usain Bolt remains one of the greatest and most decorated sprinters in Olympic history.

However, before conquering Olympic tracks, Bolt had aspired to become a professional cricketer, and was a longtime admirer of Pakistan pace icon Wasim Akram and legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar.

Moreover, the legendary sprinter even clean bowled Chris Gayle during a charity cricket match, and played with Yuvraj Singh on another occasion. Back in 2012, Usain Bolt was also considered to represent the Melbourne Stars team in the BBL.

Cricket in Olympics 2028: What do we know so far?

Cricket’s return to the Olympics will begin on July 12 in a couple of years’ time during the 2028 Los Angeles games. Six teams each will be competing in men’s and women’s sections, and all matches will be hosted by the Fairgrounds Stadium.

The teams will be decided based on the top-ranked team from each continent. The aforementioned format system means that several full member nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka as well as New Zealand might well miss out on cricket’s return to the Olympics, considering teams like India and Australia are considered favourites to qualify from Asia and Oceania respectively.

Based on current ranking from the men’s division, India will likely qualify from Asia, Australia from Oceania, South Africa from Africa and England might make it to the games from Europe. As reported by ESPNCricinfo last year, the USA team might gain a direct entry as hosts.

Since each team can name a 15-player squad for the competition, a total of 180 players will be competing in the games. It is worth noting that cricket will be conducted in T20I format in its Olympics return.

Most match days will be double-headers, and the medal fixtures will be played on July 20 and July 29.