SRK unveils LA Knight Riders stadium as cricket gears up for Olympics 2028

NEW DELHI: Shah Rukh Khan celebrated a major milestone for cricket in the United States with the official unveiling of the LA Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, California. The new venue represents a significant step in the sport's expansion in North America and is expected to play a crucial role in the build-up to cricket's return to the Olympics at the 2028 Summer Olympics. The stadium will serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders franchise and is set to host several key matches in the coming years.Expressing his excitement, Shah Rukh Khan shared an emotional message on social media, describing the opening of the stadium as the fulfilment of a long-held dream. The Bollywood superstar, who co-owns the Knight Riders franchise, highlighted the broader vision behind the project and thanked those who supported the initiative. He wrote, "What started as a dream… turns into reality today. Welcoming you all to the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA. A place built not just for sports but also entertainment and for families… and memories that last forever. Special thanks to Jaybhai who has been too kind through this journey @JayShah, & @ICC and @Sanjog_G for being so supportive. This is for LA, for cricket fans across the globe, and for the Knight Riders family. Believe in Purple and Gold. Welcome to the home of @LA_KnightRiders."A landmark venue for cricket in AmericaThe newly opened stadium will host its first competitive cricket match during the ongoing Major League Cricket season. It will become the permanent home of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, giving local cricket fans an opportunity to experience top-level franchise cricket in Southern California for the first time. The venue features modern facilities and has been designed to cater not only to cricket matches but also to entertainment events and family experiences.A total of seven matches are scheduled to be played at the ground during the upcoming Major League Cricket season, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the sport in the region. With cricket steadily gaining popularity in the United States, the launch of a dedicated international-standard venue is being viewed as a major boost for the game's future.Eyes on Los Angeles 2028 OlympicsThe importance of the LA Knight Riders Cricket Ground extends beyond franchise cricket. The venue is expected to play a key role when cricket returns to the Olympic stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. As a result, the stadium is likely to become one of the sport's most important destinations globally over the next few years, serving both professional cricket and the wider growth of the game in the United States.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.