Cricket is officially headed to the Pan American Games.
In a landmark move for the sport in the Americas, Panam Sports announced this week that cricket will be part of the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru — the first time cricket has ever featured in the prestigious multi-sport event.
The decision was confirmed by the Panam Sports Executive Board following a vote among the 41 National Olympic Committees across the continent. Cricket joins a roster of 36 sports that will be contested between July 16 and August 1, 2027, by more than 7,000 athletes representing countries from North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean.
“As Panam Sports, we have taken a very important step with the approval of the 36 sports for Lima 2027,” said Neven Ilic, President of Panam Sports. “We followed a very democratic process among all the National Olympic Committees.”
Cricket’s inclusion stands out as one of the most significant milestones — not just because it’s a debut, but because of what it represents for the sport’s growing footprint in the region and its alignment with global ambitions.
A stepping stone to LA28
Cricket’s entry into the Pan American Games comes on the heels of its reintroduction into the Olympic Games, with T20 cricket confirmed as part of the LA28 Olympics in Los Angeles. The inclusion in both events signals a broader shift: cricket is no longer confined to its traditional strongholds.
This dual appearance — at the Pan American Games in 2027 and the Olympics in 2028 — gives cricket a powerful one-two punch on the world stage, particularly in North and South America where the sport has historically been underrepresented at the elite multi-sport level.
It also opens the door for cricket boards and federations across the Americas to build national programs, attract funding, and push for greater institutional recognition within their own countries.
Brazil poised to lead the charge
Among the nations best positioned to seize this moment is Brazil — particularly on the women’s side.
The Brazilian women’s cricket team, six-time South American champions and composed largely of athletes from community development programs, is already being discussed as a podium contender in 2027.
“It is a historical milestone for sport in the Americas — and an achievement built with a lot of work, on and off the field,” said Roberta Moretti Avery, President of the Brazilian Cricket Confederation (CBCR). “Seeing cricket in the Pan-American and knowing that our athletes have great chances of medals is proof that we are on the right track.”
Brazil has made international headlines in recent years not just for its competitive success, but for its grassroots approach. The CBCR currently supports more than 80 active cricket projects, reaching over 10,000 children and youth across the country. The model blends sport, education, and social inclusion — and is now being held up as a blueprint for cricket’s growth in the region.
“This is an old dream of those who love cricket,” added Matt Featherstone, former president of Cricket Brasil. “Seeing the sport on a stage like the Pan-American is more than a victory: it is a leap of visibility, investment, and pride. And Brazil is ready to compete — and thrill.”
A new era for cricket in the Americas
The road to LA28 now has a vital new stop: Lima 2027. And while cricket’s journey in the Pan American Games is just beginning, the implications are already significant.
For emerging cricket nations, the next three years represent a rare opportunity to:
- Develop talent pipelines with Olympic qualification in mind
- Showcase the sport to new audiences across the hemisphere
- Unlock institutional support via National Olympic Committees
Cricket’s inclusion in Lima and Los Angeles sends a clear signal: the sport is global, and its future includes the Americas.
