The International Cricket Council (ICC) doing everything possible to pitch for the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics. The apex cricket body is still hopeful about the sport's inclusion as they have recommended six-team T20 events for both men and women for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
However, the final verdict will on whether cricket will be included in the Games or not, will be taken in October after the organisers of the 208 Games finalise the list of new sports by March.
These will then be ratified at the IOC's session in Mumbai, which is scheduled for October of this year, according to the statement. In a strategic move, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has joined the ICC's Olympics working group, which is led by ICC chairman Greg Barclay and includes Indra Nooyi (independent director) and Paraag Marathe (former USA Cricket president).
Shah was included 'keeping in mind India's ambition' to host the Olympics in 2036. "And the ICC believes Shah's involvement could lend an important and potentially influential push in its negotiations with the IOC for cricket to be included at sport's biggest global event," the report said.
The proposal for a six-team event was made to ensure a more cost-efficient Olympics, which is part of their Olympic Agenda, it added. Cricket, along with eight other sports -- baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, break dancing, karate, kickboxing, squash and motorsport -- are competing to make the LA 28 roster.
