The ICC suggests six-team T20 events for both men and women in Olympics 2028; Final call to be made in October by IOC

Even though, cricket is a popular sport in countries like India, Australia, England etc, it is still not followed extensively in other parts of the world. Unlike football, very few countries have their national teams playing cricket.

Therefore, the ICC has made huge efforts to make the game popular in other parts of the world. One of it is the sport’s inclusion in the pinnacle of sports, the Olympics.

As part of its ongoing efforts to include cricket in the biggest sporting extravaganza, the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suggested a six-team T20 tournament for both men’s and women’s to the Los Angeles Olympic Games organising committee (LA28).

According to a source in ESPN Cricinfo, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will make a final decision on the inclusion of cricket around October after the organisers complete the list of new sports in March. The IOC session where the confirmation will be made is set to be held in Mumbai around October.

Jay Shah included in the committee

In a calculated move, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has been added to the ICC’s Olympics working group, which includes independent director Indra Nooyi and Paraag Marathe (former USA Cricket president).and is chaired by ICC chairman Greg Barclay.

Jay Shah has been added to the panel keeping in mind India’s ambition to host the Olympics in 2036 and Shah’s experience could be crucial in the negotiations with IOC.

“the ICC feels Shah’s involvement may give a crucial and potentially influential push in talks with the IOC about include cricket at the biggest international sporting event”

Reason behind 6-team tournament

According to their Olympic Agenda, the six-team event plan was made to ensure a more affordable Olympics. If the proposal is accepted then the top 6 teams in the ICC T20 Rankings at that time will get the chance to take part in the sporting world’s biggest pinnacle, the Olympics. The IOC has also cleared to the ICC that  both the men’s and women’s matches  will be held in a single venue.

For a spot on the LA 28 squad, cricket is up against eight other sports, including baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, breakdancing, karate, kickboxing, squash, and motorsport. The IOC will review all the applications before deciding how many teams will be added to the previous list of 28 February 2022.