The International Cricket Council (ICC) has signaled its willingness to partner with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to bring cricket into the 2030 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). This potential inclusion stems from India’s ambitious bid to host both the 2030 YOG and the 2036 Olympic Games in Mumbai.
The ICC’s interest was sparked by a proposal from Vivek Gopalan, who suggested cricket’s participation to William Glenwright, the ICC’s General Manager of Development. Glenwright responded positively, calling it a “good idea” that the organization could explore.
This correspondence was circulated to key ICC figures, including CEO Geoff Allardice, emphasizing the seriousness of this potential initiative.
Gopalan highlights the strong case for cricket’s inclusion in the YOG, arguing 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’s initial focus was on the YOG, an idea he mentioned during an IOC session in Mumbai last year. However, the Indian government has since shifted its attention to bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games, as emphasized by Modi in his Independence Day speech.
The proposal to include cricket in the YOG emphasizes its potential to revolutionize grassroots cricket globally, especially for ICC Associate members. The email argues that cricket’s inclusion would align it with other top sports like Rugby Sevens, already present in the YOG.
The YOG, which features athletes aged 15 to 18, would offer young cricketers a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage. The ICC believes its established links with the IOC and the recognition of cricket’s strong brand can contribute to the “Olympic Brand,” making it a persuasive case for including cricket as a core sport in the Youth Olympics.
This development comes as cricket is set to make a triumphant return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking its first appearance since the 1900 Paris Games.
