Brisbane, Dec 12 (Representative) “Very exciting time ahead for Cricket’s involvement in the Olympics movement,” remarked ICC Chairman Jay Shah, expressing optimism following his meeting with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.Shah is in Australia with the goal of securing cricket’s inclusion in the prestigious global sporting event, set to take place in 2032. The discussions between Shah and Cindy Hook, CEO of the Brisbane Games’ organising committee, centred around the potential of cricket in the Olympic platform.Shah highlighted the sport’s ability to grow globally, stressing that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics would help expand its reach to new audiences, particularly in regions where it has yet to fully establish itself. “This is a significant moment for the future of cricket,” Shah stated after the meeting. He pointed out that with cricket’s return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles in 2028, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics offers a further opportunity to showcase the game to the world. “It is a great time for the sport to align itself with the Olympic movement, reaching out to fans from all corners of the globe,” he added.
This push for cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics follows a series of steps taken by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the past few years. In August 2021, the ICC formed a special working group consisting of representatives from several key cricketing nations, including the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), USA Cricket, and Zimbabwe Cricket. The group was tasked with advocating for cricket’s inclusion in both the 2028 and 2032 Summer Olympics.After extensive deliberations and discussions, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that cricket would return to the Olympics for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. With this breakthrough, the focus now shifts to ensuring cricket’s place in the 2032 edition of the Games.
Shah’s meetings with the Brisbane 2032 committee are a key part of this effort. In his first speech as ICC Chairman last week, Shah explained why cricket should be a part of the Olympics, emphasising the sport’s potential to increase its global following. He noted that the Olympics provide an unparalleled platform to promote the game and inspire new generations of players and fans. “Cricket is a sport that can unite the world, and its inclusion in the Olympics will help expand its footprint in countries that have yet to embrace the game fully,” Shah said. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia stands level at 1-1, with India securing a win in the opening match in Perth and Australia bouncing back in Adelaide with a commanding 10-wicket victory, all eyes are now on the third Test in Brisbane. Shah is expected to attend the match at The Gabba, further highlighting his commitment to advancing cricket’s global profile.With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics already confirmed, the momentum is building for the 2032 Brisbane Games, as cricket’s potential Olympic journey continues to unfold.