The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken the first step to include Cricket in the Olympics games. ICC released an official statement in which it was revealed that ICC is starting the preparations for bidding for the addition of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 event. Also, a working group that will lead the bid has been finalized by ICC.
Meanwhile, So far cricket has made only one appearance in the Olympics games. Notably, that appearance came back in 1900 in Paris. During that time only two teams participated in the marquee event. The two teams were Great Britain and host France. If cricket gets included in Olympics 2028 the 128 years of the drought of Olympics with no cricket will end.
💥 T20I or ODI ✨
Which format would you like to see at the 2028 @Olympics?
Let us know in the comments 👇 pic.twitter.com/fQCdpcf82Y
— ICC (@ICC) August 10, 2021
Previously, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opposed the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics. However, since Jay Shah took charge of the BCCI things completely changed and he has been in favor of cricket in the Olympics.
We have more than a billion fans globally and almost 90 percent of them want to see cricket at the Olympics: Greg Barclay
While talking about the addition of cricket in the Olympic games ICC Chair Greg Barclay said it would great move.
“Firstly on behalf of everyone at the ICC, I would like to congratulate the IOC, Tokyo 2020, and the people of Japan for staging such an incredible Games in such difficult circumstances. It truly was fantastic to watch and captured the imagination of the world and we would love for cricket to be a part of future Games,” Barclay said.
“Our sport is united behind this bid, and we see the Olympics as a part of cricket’s long-term future. We have more than a billion fans globally and almost 90 percent of them want to see cricket at the Olympics,” he added.
Cricket may be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Cricket was part of the 1900 Paris Olympics. Great Britain won the gold medal & France won the silver medal
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) August 10, 2021
“We believe cricket would be a great addition to the Olympic Games: ICC Chair Greg
Barclay also talked about the popularity of cricket in South Asia and the USA. Also, he highlighted many fans want to witness cricketers taking part in Olympics.
“Clearly cricket has a strong and passionate fanbase, particularly in South Asia where 92% of our fans come from whilst there are also 30 million cricket fans in the USA. The opportunity for those fans to see their heroes competing for an Olympic medal is tantalising.”
“We believe cricket would be a great addition to the Olympic Games, but we know it won’t be easy to secure our inclusion as there are so many other great sports out there wanting to do the same. But we feel now is the time to put our best foot forward and show what a great partnership cricket and the Olympics are.” – Greg Barclay
“USA Cricket is thrilled to be able to support cricket’s bid for inclusion in the Olympics” – Chair of USA cricket
Chair of USA Cricket Parag Marathe gave his opinions on the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics. He feels the time has come for cricket to make a return in the Olympics and said :
“USA Cricket is thrilled to be able to support cricket’s bid for inclusion in the Olympics, the timing of which aligns perfectly with our continuing plans to develop the sport in the USA. With so many passionate cricket fans and players already in the USA, and a huge global audience and following for the sport around the world, we believe that cricket’s inclusion will add great value to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and help us to achieve our own vision for establishing cricket as a mainstream sport in this country.”