Opinion | From Format to Who Qualifies, What Cricket’s Return to Olympics Could Look Like

For more than a century, sports lovers have wondered if cricket can be called a global game. It made its debut in the Olympics in 1900 when it was played over two days, but fell out of favour since. Great Britain and France were the two teams that competed for the Gold with the former expectedly winning it. Cricket is now returning to the Olympic fold in 2028 at Los Angeles, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voting to include the popular sport at its 141st session in Mumbai.

It is just the boost cricket authorities the world over have been waiting for.

The chairperson of the LA28, Casey Wasserman, was encouraging in his response when he noted that: “The LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it. They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the US and the globe. They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been engaged in concerted efforts to take the game to far corners of the world. Stars from the past have shared their experiences and motivated youngsters to try their hand at bat and ball. Former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju has visited countries like Maldives, Qatar, Thailand, Nepal, teaching basics of the game to youngsters. It was part of ICC’s effort to popularise cricket which faced challenges from other disciplines, especially football and basketball.

Cricket’s debut at the Asian Games in Hangzhou was an indication that times have changed. China and Japan are seen as big markets for cricket and the ICC must compliment itself for convincing the IOC to include the game in their global family. “Of course, it is the advent of the T20 format that has brought about the change,” asserted Raju, who has also spent time in the United States, which promises to become the new destination for cricket.

Getting recognition in Olympics is a huge step in favour of cricket’s globalization journey triggered by former Board president Jagmohan Dalmiya, who had firmly believed in adding new nations with an eye on making it a sport acceptable in some European nations. Dalmiya may not have visualized cricket at the Olympics but veteran shooter and sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh saw it coming.

“I was happy to see cricket at the Asian Games. It was a deserving honour for a game that has adapted to the needs of the times with the T20 format,” Randhir said. “Cricket will be part of the Olympic family and that makes it a truly global sport. When you play for a medal and salute the national flag at the presentation ceremony on winning the gold believe me it can generate unbelievable passion for the sport.”

Olympics will bring into focus different shades of cricket. The popularity of the T20 format has brought in a new set of fans and followers. ICC chairman Greg Barclay viewed the development with a tinge of caution though. “We are delighted that LA28 have recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics. Whilst this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century,” Barclay had said in a statement.

The road to LA28 would be challenging no doubt. The format will have to be T20 since it is the brand universally suited to the young generation which loves results on the cricket field with non-stop entertainment. For the host nation, there would be time to prepare a squad and indications are the local population is likely to extend its support to cricket, which reminds them of baseball.

“It will take some time for the locals to take to cricket but the Olympics will appeal to them in a big way,” said Raju, who had toured the United States along with West Indian great Courtney Walsh to make young kids understand a game (the T20 brand) that had some similarity to baseball.

The qualification process for the Olympics would garner interest around cricket. The number of teams at the competition will have to be determined through qualification as prescribed for teams in other disciplines. Ideally, the ICC is said to be looking at six top teams in men and women competing for the medals. The teams shall come through a process since time is going to be a factor and the best will be showcased.

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh had highlighted the thrill of a multi-discipline event when cricket was part of the Commonwealth Games at Kuala Lumpur in 1998. He had written of cheering for the fellow Australians and staying at the Games Village and making friends. It is this aspect of the Olympic movement that cricket would come to benefit from.

Cricket at LA28 would be a game-changer for the game, especially considering the uncertain future of the longer formats – Tests and One Day Internationals.

The writer is Consulting Editor with SPORTSTAR. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.