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Cricket, a sport with billions of followers worldwide, is set to make a grand comeback at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. After the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which showcased the talents of athletes from across the globe, the anticipation for the return of cricket has never been higher.
The Olympics, the pinnacle of sporting events, attracts global attention every four years, drawing even casual sports enthusiasts into its orbit. It’s a stage where only the best competes, making the inclusion of cricket all the more exciting. Cricket was last played in the Olympics in 1900, a whopping 124 years ago. Back then, it was a two-day Test match, with Great Britain clinching the gold against France. But in 2028, the format will be drastically different—T20 cricket, the most popular and fast-paced version of the game, will be played, bringing a new dimension to the Olympic Games.
Olympic Legacy in Cricket Families
While cricket has been absent from the Olympics for over a century, some cricketers have had close connections to the event through their family members. Here’s a look at three cricketing stars whose relatives have represented their nations in different sports at the Olympic Games:
1. Mitchell Starc’s Brother Brandon Starc: High Jump Hero
Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast-bowling sensation known for his lethal yorkers and record-breaking IPL contracts, has a sibling who shines in a completely different arena—high jump. Brandon Starc, Mitchell’s younger brother, is a celebrated high jumper who has represented Australia at multiple international competitions, including the Youth Olympics in 2010, where he clinched a silver medal.
Brandon’s Olympic journey is impressive. He participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and most recently, the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite his consistent performances, Brandon narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal, but his athletic prowess and the Starc family’s sporting legacy remain indisputable. Notably, Brandon also secured a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, further cementing his place as one of Australia’s top athletes.
2. Keith Thomson’s Brother William Thomson: A Hockey Pioneer
Keith Thomson may have only played two Test matches for New Zealand, but his family’s Olympic legacy is profound. His brother, William Thomson, was a distinguished hockey player who represented New Zealand at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Despite New Zealand’s strong showing in the group stages, including a victory over defending champions India, they fell short of advancing to the semifinals, finishing third in their group.
William’s contributions to New Zealand hockey go beyond the Olympics. He played a key role in the development of the sport in the country, mentoring young players and contributing to the sport’s growth at the grassroots level. His legacy is a reminder that the Thomson family’s impact on sports extends beyond cricket and into the broader realm of Olympic competition.
3. Winston Benjamin’s Son Rai Benjamin: A Sprinting Sensation
West Indies cricket legend Winston Benjamin may have terrorized batsmen with his pace, but it’s his son, Rai Benjamin, who has captured the world’s attention on the Olympic stage. Rai, an American track and field athlete, has made waves in the 400m hurdles, a grueling event that requires speed, strength, and precision.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rai Benjamin won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles, finishing the race in an astonishing 46.46 seconds at the Stade de France. This victory added to his already impressive collection of accolades, including a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and multiple World Championship medals. Rai’s achievements highlight the incredible athleticism that runs in the Benjamin family, proving that the Olympic spirit is alive and well in this cricketing household.
The return of cricket to the Olympics in 2028 is a momentous occasion, not just for the sport but for the countless fans around the world who have waited over a century to see it back on the grand stage. As we look forward to the excitement that T20 cricket will bring to the Los Angeles Games, it’s worth remembering the deep connections between cricketing families and the Olympics—a legacy that spans generations and sports, proving that the spirit of competition is truly a family affair.
