NewKerala.com

Steve Smith Eyes 2028 Olympics Despite T20 World Cup Snub

Australian batting great Steve Smith has accepted his omission from the preliminary T20 World Cup squad but remains focused on his international T20 future. His primary ambition is to represent Australia when cricket returns at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Smith is in excellent form, averaging over 51 with a high strike rate in recent T20 matches for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. After the BBL, he will continue his T20 campaign in the USA's Major League Cricket this summer.

Key Points: Steve Smith Targets 2028 Olympics Cricket Spot

  • Accepts T20 World Cup omission
  • Targets 2028 LA Olympics spot
  • In stellar BBL form
  • Averages 51+ in T20s since last T20I
  • Next plays in USA's Major League Cricket
2 min read

Main goal is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around: Steve Smith

Steve Smith accepts T20 World Cup omission but sets sights on representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Read his determined statement.

"My main goal... is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. - Steve Smith"

New Delhi, Jan 19

Australian batting great Steve Smith has come to terms with his omission from Australia's T20 World Cup preliminary squad, but the veteran is far from done with his international 20-20 ambitions. Although missing out on the squad was a setback, Smith remains determined to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The 38-year-old batter, who is in splendid form in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), admitted that even after some amazing knocks, he was not in contention to be a surprise entrant in the national squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The former Australia captain has not yet closed the door on T20I cricket, as he is yet to fulfil his ambition to play at the Olympics, where cricket is making a long-awaited return.

"I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship's sailed. I reckon they've got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. I'm relaxed doing what I can here and having some fun," Smith said, as quoted by Espncricinfo.

"My main goal, as I've said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I'd be keen to do that. That'd be pretty cool. Keep doing what I'm doing and you never know," he added.

Smith last played a T20I for Australia in February 2024, and since then, he has averaged 51-plus with a strike rate of 156 in T20s.

The Australian star has been in top form during BBL 2025-26. Rejoining his team, Sydney Sixers, after winning the Ashes, Smith has scored 173 runs in just three matches. He also scored a 41-ball century against the Sydney Thunder at the SCG on January 16.

With Smith's power-hitting, the Sixers have given themselves a chance to reach the final. After the BBL, the Australian star will return to T20 cricket in Major League Cricket, which will be hosted by the USA in June and July.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His stats are still fantastic! Avg 51+, SR 156... many current players would kill for that. Australian selectors are being ruthless, but maybe they need to look at experience too for a big stage like Olympics.
R
Rohit P
Cricket in Olympics is the real news here! Finally! Imagine India vs Pakistan in an Olympic final... chills! Hope our BCCI sends a full-strength team and doesn't treat it like an exhibition.
A
Ananya R
I admire his positive attitude. "That ship's sailed" but he's still focused on the next goal. It's a good lesson in handling professional rejection. Wishing him luck from a cricket-crazy Indian fan!
S
Sarah B
While I respect his ambition, at 38, planning for an event 3 years away in a fast-paced format is very optimistic. Australia might be right to invest in younger players for the long term. Just my two cents.
K
Karthik V
Smith playing MLC in the USA is smart. Gets used to the conditions before the Olympics. Smart planning, yaar. Our Indian players should also get more exposure to those pitches.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50