As the countdown to the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on October 5 in India, accelerates, the International Cricket Council (ICC) finds itself managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Among these, a pivotal task involves efforts to incorporate cricket into the prestigious 2028 Olympics to be held in Los Angeles.
The decisive moment in this endeavor is fast approaching, with the executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gearing up to make a momentous decision on whether cricket will find its place in the Olympic roster. This critical decision is slated for Friday, September 8, marking a significant juncture in cricket’s potential Olympic journey.
A glimmer of optimism for the ICC has emerged in recent times, as IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his genuine fondness for cricket. In a noteworthy revelation, Bach shared his personal experience, recounting a visit to Fiji where he encountered a women’s cricket team in action. He recalled,
“I’m really a fan of cricket, I was even playing once. I was doing one in Fiji.
We were walking across a sports field. There were women playing cricket in Fiji. And then my spokesperson, who is an ardent fan of cricket, came and said, ‘now you have to play.’ So we went to this women’s cricket team. And they allowed me to play with them for some moments.”
Bach’s affinity for the sport could potentially influence the IOC’s decision-making process.
The executive board entrusted with this momentous decision comprises 15 members, including Bach, four vice presidents, and 10 other esteemed members. They are set to convene in Lausanne, Switzerland, where they will engage with the LA 28 organizing committee to deliberate on the inclusion of various sports in the upcoming 2028 Olympics.
Cricket has been making significant strides in the United States in recent months, with much credit attributed to the successful Major League Cricket (MLC) that recently concluded. This groundbreaking league not only introduced cricket to American audiences but also garnered substantial popularity. The ICC envisions that cricket’s potential inclusion in the LA 28 Olympics could serve as a catalyst for embedding the sport’s culture in the USA and further elevating its status.
The journey towards making cricket an Olympic sport is marked by anticipation, hope, and the aspiration to expand the sport’s global footprint. The ICC, with its dedication and unwavering efforts, eagerly awaits the IOC’s verdict, hoping to witness cricket’s historic leap onto the Olympic stage.
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