In a recent development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering on making collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to introduce cricket at the 2030 Youth Olympics.
This comes in response to India’s announcement last year of its interest in hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games in Mumbai and the 2036 Olympics.
The ICC’s General manager of development has hinted about the positive initiative in an email exchange with Vivek Gopalan stating, “It’s a positive initiative and certainly something we could explore further.”
He firmly believes, “The appetite for cricket to feature in the Youth Olympic Games is undeniable, especially with Mumbai’s aspirations to play host in 2030.” In his correspondence, he highlighted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly voiced India’s ambition to secure both the 2030 YOG and the 2036 Olympics, adding weight to the cause.”
During the IOC session in Mumbai last October, Modi hinted at the youth Olympic Games potential, although recent government priorities seem to have pivoted towards the 2036 Olympic bid, a sentiment he reiterated during his Independence Day address.
Gopalan has sent an email to ICC officials outlining several arguments on cricket’s inclusion in the YOG. “Top sports, including Rugby Sevens, are already part of the YOG. Why not include Cricket? Its addition could significantly boost grassroots cricket internationally, particularly among ICC Associates.”
Moreover, Gopalan’s communication emphasized, “Given ICC’s newly forged ties with the IOC and the IOC’s recognition of cricket’s ability to enhance the Olympic brand, persuading the IOC to welcome cricket as a core sport in the Youth Olympics should not present a formidable challenge.”
Cricket will make a return during the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, marking the sport featuring in the Olympics after 128 years.
The Youth Olympics will have an array of sports including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Futsal, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling which would be exciting spectacle for Yount Athletes World wide.
