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International Cricket Council (ICC) has hoped that cricket featuring in the Commonwealth Games 2022 will provide thrust to the ambition of the game to be a part of the Olympics as well.
The 2022 edition will witness cricket returning after 24 years in the CWG. It last happened in 1998, when the men’s 50-over tournament was held, with the participation of 16 nations. Furthermore, the matches had the List-A status. This year, the eight-team event will hold the T20 International status, approved by the apex board.
ICC chief executive, Geoff Allardice has reckoned that the players are quite excited by the presence of top athletes from other sports. He added that the board has been proactive in providing all the information for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. However, he also updates that the decision for including the game will be taken in 2023.
"The idea of being here in Birmingham for the annual [ICC] conference is to celebrate cricket's involvement in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 24 years [when a men's 50-over event was held, in Kuala Lumpur] with the women's T20 event," Allardice said. "Judging on the reaction of the players, they all are very excited and enjoying the experience of being around the top athletes from other sports.
"We have declared our ambition to be involved in the Olympic Games. We are assisting the LA 2028 organisers and providing any information will help their assessment of different sports with regards to addition to the Olympic programme. But, at this stage, a decision is due next year."
Featuring in multi-sports events can extend the reach of Cricket?
Allardice thinks the inclusion of cricket in multi-sports events may enhance the growth of the game. He also adds that the coverage of the matches along with other sports can be far-more reaching to the people, who are not traditionally cricket-watching audiences.
"And that is one of opportunities with the Commonwealth Games, that we can reach new audiences. I'm sure you have seen in the last five years or so, the quality of our women's events is outstanding. The players are great ambassadors for our sport,” said Allardice.
“We heard from a number of the [women's team] captains last night at a panel session, and they are very excited and I'm sure, cricket a star attraction at the Commonwealth Games, which can only leave us in a good position as we look for ambitions moving forward in all other types of multi-sport games," he added.
A total of 16 matches will be played between July 29 and August 7. In the first fixture, India will lock horns with Australia.