ICC to Push for Cricket in the 2028 Olympics |
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10/08/2021POSTED BY Malaysian Cricket Association Admin |
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The International Cricket Council has declared its intention to work towards the admission of Cricket at the 2028 Olympics in LA. The USA is home to more than 30 million cricket fans making this the perfect timing for the sport to make a come since its last participation in 1900 at the Olympics in Paris. If cricket gains inclusion, this will stamp a great comeback after a 128- year absence. ICC Chair, Greg Barclay said, the addition of cricket to the Olympic Games would be beneficial to both the sport and the Games themselves. “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. Barclay added: “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.” The ICC Olympic Working Group will be chaired by England and Wales Cricket Board Chair Ian Watmore. He will be joined by ICC Independent Director Indra Nooyi, Chair of Zimbabwe Cricket Tavengwa Mukuhlani, ICC Associate Member Director and Vice President of the Asian Cricket Council Mahinda Vallipuram and Chair of USA Cricket Parag Marathe. "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.” Malaysia, as a rapidly growing cricket nation is elated at the prospect of being able to participate in the 2028 Olympics. Director and Vice President of the Asian Cricket Council and Former President of the Malaysian Cricket Association, Mahinda Vallipuram has been championing this cause for several years now and given the inroads made, we are optimistic that it will become a reality for the sport. |
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