After a long wait of 132 years, cricket will finally be seen on the biggest sporting stage in the world. Cricket lovers around the globe will be carefully keeping their eyes on the historic decision set to be announced on September 8, 2023, by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Cricket is widely regarded as one of the world’s most-watched sports, regardless of it not being part of the Olympic program. However, the latest news circulating has generated excitement among cricket fans all over the globe, enlightening hopes of witnessing cricketing greats playing on the grandest sporting stage of all.
The absence of cricket from the Olympic Games has been a point of contention for many years. Many masses argue that the omission of cricket is a pity on the event as the sport can bring a large number of viewership.
The only reason the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics has gained momentum in recent years is due to the sport’s growing popularity and the success of the sport on a global level like the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Cricket’s Format in the Olympics
The sport can be only played in the shortest format like T20 where the game moves in a rapid pace, unlike Test cricket. According to the reports, there will be only 5 teams participating in the tournament. The top 5 countries in the ICC ranking of that time will be qualified for the Olympics.
However, the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics can also posses a lot of problems for the organizers. The logistics of organizing cricket events alongside the existing Olympic sports, securing venues, and accommodating players’ schedules will require planning. However, the rewards could be immense, as cricket is likely to bolster the viewership of the Olympic games more than double in a country like India.
The broadcasting rights of the individual sports in the Olympics in India are sold for 16.44 Cr whereas cricket can alone generate more than 1500 Cr if included in the Brisbane 2032 or Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Official meeting on cricket’s inclusion in Olympics to be held on September 8
The official announcement on September 8 will be marked as a historic moment for cricket. Cricket fans and stakeholders are eagerly waiting for the result, hoping that the IOC recognizes the sport’s potential to embrace the event globally.
Meanwhile, Cricket is set to make a return in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou where both men and women will represent their nations.