Kohli's popularity played a role in cricket’s return to Olympics

Indian batsman Virat Kohli's immense popularity on social media played a part in cricket's return to the Olympics after over a century, said the president of the organising committee of the Los Angeles Games 2028 Niccolo Campriani.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially approved cricket's inclusion in the LA Games 2028 along with four other sports on Monday.

Cricket last appeared in the Olympics in 1900 when the Great Britain defeated France to win the gold medal.

Now, cricket is set to return to the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world and Kohli's popularity helped tip the scales in cricket's favour, said Campriani.

"We all recognise the critical importance of a strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth. And cricket is offering a unique platform to do so," Campriani said.

"Think [about] my friend here Virat. He's the third-most followed athlete in the world on social media with 314 million followers. That's more than LeBron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined. This is the ultimate win-win for LA 28.

"The IOC and the cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries, while the Olympic movement gains access to previously untapped communities of athletes and fans. It's a great example of how one can reach the other."