In a landmark encounter signaling potential collaboration between football and cricket giants, FIFA President Gianni Infantino met ICC Chairman Jay Shah in Milan, Italy. The meeting, shared via Infantino’s Instagram post, highlighted mutual respect and excitement for future partnerships.
Infantino praised Shah’s instrumental role in elevating cricket globally. ‘Thrilled to meet ICC Chairman Jay Shah in Milan today,’ he posted. ‘His outstanding work promoting the beautiful game of cricket is exemplary. With cricket returning to the Summer Olympics in two years, best wishes to him and everyone involved.’
The FIFA chief expressed eagerness to unite the world through sports alongside Shah. This comes as cricket prepares for its Olympic comeback after 128 years, since its last appearance in the 1900 Paris Games.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature T20 cricket for both men and women, with six teams per category competing in 28 matches total. Each team can field 15 players from a 90-player quota per gender. Matches will unfold at a temporary stadium in Pomona, about 50 km from LA, from July 12 to 29.
Women’s medal matches peak on July 20, men’s on July 29. While qualification pathways remain undecided, discussions are slated for ICC’s annual meeting in Singapore starting July 17.
This meeting underscores growing synergies between world’s top sports bodies, promising innovative cross-sport initiatives and expanded global reach for both FIFA and ICC.