Cricbuzz reports that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its readiness to work with the International Olympic Committee(IOC) for the inclusion of cricket in Youth Olympics at 2030.
The ICC’s announcement was a result of an Indian Government pronouncement last year about her intention to bid for hosting 2030 YOG in Mumbai as well as 2036 Olympics.
In an email conversation, Vivek Gopalan made a suggestion to William Glenwright, ICC’s General Manager on Development. “It’s a good idea and something we could look at,” responded Glenwright who found it promising.
This exchange between Gopalan and Glenwright involved other addressees such as ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, Wasim Khan, Claire Furlong, and Chris Tetley to keep them informed about what might become an actual initiative.
Gopanal argues that “There is a strong for cricket at Youth Olympic Games (YOG) with Mumbai bidding to host 2030 YOG.” He also wrote to the ICC official noting that; “No less a person than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now publicly proclaimed India’s desire to host both the 2030 YOG and 2036 Olympics.”
During his speech at the IOC session held in Mumbai in October of last year, Modi alluded to Youth Olympic Games (YOG). However recently attention of Indian Government is redirected towards submitting bid for the Olympic Games in 2036.
This change was underlined by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day address from Red Fort which is one of India’s most iconic buildings
An email sent out on behalf of an ICC representative strongly argued why cricket should be included in(YOG). It said: “All top sports including Rugby Sevens are part of the YOG. Why not Cricket? This would transform grassroots cricket all over the world particularly among ICC Associates.”
The potential effect of bringing cricket into these games on the grassroots development of the sport in ICC member countries is further highlighted by the message. YOG for ages 15-18 can provide a stage upon which young cricketers display their skills to the world.
The mail furthermore reads, “Now that ICC has formed strong links with IOC and IOC recognizes that the “cricket brand” can enhance the “Olympic Brand” it would not be a difficult task to convince IOC to include Cricket as a core sport in the Youth Olympics.”
Cricket is coming back to Olympic Games. The IOC has stated that this game will be available during LA Olympic Games 2028 nearly after 128 years since its last appearance in Paris Games1900.
