ICC open to work with IOC to include cricket in Youth Olympics

After marking cricket’s return to the Olympics, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is pushing for cricket’s case in the subsequent Youth Olympic Games (YOG). As stated by Cricbuzz, the ICC has hinted towards collaborating with the IOC to include cricket in the Youth Olympics in 2030. The exciting prospect originates from the Government of India’s announcement in October last year about its intention to bid for the 2030 YOG in Mumbai, apart from the 2036 Olympics. 

Vivek Gopalan suggested the idea to ICC’s General Manager of Development, William Glenwright, in an email exchange, to which Glenwright replied: "It's a good idea and something we could look at,” while copying ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, Wasim Khan, Claire Furlong, and Chris Tetley.

Gopalan had contended that "There is a strong case for cricket at Youth Olympic Games (YOG) with Mumbai bidding to host 2030 YOG." He had also written to the ICC official, stating that “No less a person than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now publicly proclaimed India’s desire to host both the 2030 YOG and 2036 Olympics.”

Modi spoke about India’s interest in hosting the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). However, recently the government’s focus has shifted towards bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games—a priority the Prime Minister emphasized again during his Independence Day speech at the iconic Red Fort.

Making a strong case for cricket’s inclusion in the Youth Games, the email read, “"All top sports, including Rugby Sevens, are part of the YOG. Why not Cricket? Including Cricket in the YOG would revolutionize grassroots cricket globally, especially among the ICC Associates."

It further noted, “Now that ICC has formed strong links with IOC and IOC recognizes that the "cricket brand " can enhance the "Olympic Brand " it would not be a difficult task to convince IOC to include Cricket as a core sport in the Youth Olympics.”

The age limit for participants in the YOG is between 15 and 18.

Cricket has been included in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The sport last featured in the Olympics in the 1900 Paris Games. 

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