Cricket's Olympic Legacy: A Hidden Gem at Paris 2024, A Prediction for LA2028

As the curtain fell on Paris Olympics 2024, cricket enthusiasts are excited for the sport's return at LA2028 after 128 years. The Paris Games spotlighted surprising cricket connections, from athletes with cricketing family ties to remarkable medal-winning performances influenced by cricketing roots.

As the Paris Olympics 2024 drew to a close, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the sport's triumphant return to the Olympic stage at LA2028 — a remarkable 128 years after its debut in 1900. Surprisingly, the Paris Games unveiled intriguing cricket connections worth exploring.

Brandon Starc, part of Australia's athletics contingent, brought a cricket connection to Paris as the brother of star pacer Mitchell Starc, who boasts over 650 international wickets. Starc's wife, Alyssa Healy, also a cricket star, deepens these familial ties. Despite his best efforts, Brandon narrowly missed a medal in the high jump event.

In a notable highlight, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem set an Olympic record in men's javelin with a throw of 92.97 m, defeating Indian champion Neeraj Chopra. Arshad's childhood included aspirations of cricket before switching to javelin under coach Rasheed Ahmed Saqi's guidance.

The USA's Rai Benjamin, gold medalist in the men's 400 m hurdles, also has cricketing ties through his father Winston, a former cricketer from Antigua. Winston's international career spanned 106 matches from 1986 to 1995. Similarly, Jamaica's Rajindra Campbell, who snagged a bronze in shot put, owes his name to his father's admiration for cricketer Rajindra Dhanraj.

(With inputs from agencies.)