Sports Can Unite the World, Says FIFA President After Jay Shah Meet

Talk of the Cricket Olympics 2028 gained momentum in Milan. FIFA president Gianni Infantino met Jay Shah in a rare cross-sport conversation.

Infantino later posted about the meeting on Instagram. He praised ICC's efforts for pushing cricket into new markets. He stressed the need for unity across global sport. The message was direct: to spread peace, and unite nations through sports. 

The FIFA chief spoke positively about cricket’s growth under Shah at the International Cricket Council. He also wished the ICC success as cricket prepares to return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028.

Cricket last appeared at the Olympics in 1900. Back then, it was a quiet two-team affair. This time, the stage is far bigger, the audience global, and expectations heavy.

A Rare Crossover Moment

Football and cricket, two giants with different rhythms, are finding common ground. For FIFA-ICC collaboration, the timing is important. Cricket is no longer limited to its old centres of power. The sport has been pushed into major multi-sport events. Women’s cricket opened new doors at the Commonwealth Games. Both men’s and women’s competitions are now a fixed part of the Asian Games calendar.

The International Olympic Committee has confirmed T20 tournaments for both men and women. Matches will run from July 12 to July 29 at the Los Angeles Games. Qualification rules are still undecided. Officials expect clarity at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore later this year.

Infantino spoke about working together to unite the world and people through sport. As FIFA-ICC collaboration grows, cricket’s Olympic return could become more than a medal chase.