Once a major roadblock in getting cricket to the Olympics, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now working all ends up to try and get the game to the biggest stage of them all. If media reports are to be believed, The Hundred, the newest cricket format could pave the way for one of the oldest sports to make its way to the Olympics in its Los Angeles edition in 2028.
“Once cricket is added in the Olympics, India will be participating. The BCCI and the ICC are on the same page as far as participation in the Olympics is concerned,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah was quoted as saying by cricket.com
Another BCCI source, citing anonymity said that the Board would be more than happy to take cricket to the Olympics and add to India’s medal prospects. “The BCCI is more than happy to work together with the government and help increase India’s medal chances,” he said. Although the board wants independence from the Indian Olympic Association and the Government of India is working on it.
Talking about the format which would represent cricket at the games, the source said, “Although we have not zeroed in on the format, T20s are most likely to be played at the Olympics. Although, many have called for T10 or the most recent format The Hundred to be included.”
Cricket was part of the Olympics in its very second edition in Paris Olympics in 1900 where Great Britain beat France to win the Gold. Lately, the 2010 and 2014 editions of the Asian Games saw cricket being a part of the sporting activities and Women’s cricket has also been included in the roster for the 2022 Commonwealth and Asian Games respectively.