Cricket in Los Angeles Games aligns with idea of India hosting Olympics in 2036: BCCI secretary Jay Shah

Indian cricket board (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah on Monday was thrilled after cricket inclusion in the Olympic programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games was confirmed after a voting process at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier in the day.

Jay Shah highlighted the cricket board’s support of the idea of having cricket in the Olympics as the secretary played an instrumental role in the International Cricket Council’s Olympics Working Group.

Cricket is all set to return to the Olympics for the first time since 1900. A proposed 6-team T20 format – a short format of the game — for women and men is expected to be part of the Games in Los Angeles.

Cricket’s inclusion in the Games concludes a two-year process, in which the ICC worked extensively to develop an exciting proposal that supports the Olympic values and LA28’s mission to create an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners, and the local community, the ICC said.

The Olympic Games is estimated to have an audience of more than 3 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms, representing a unique opportunity for cricket to engage new audiences and further boost the sport’s reach across the world, opening the door to a new generation of cricket enthusiasts.

Reacting to the news, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said cricket in LA28 Games aligns with the idea of India’s intention to host the Olympics in 2036.

Notably, India women’s cricket team went to the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and returned with a silver medal. Both the men’s and women’s team took part in the Asian Games in Hangzhou earlier this year.

‘BCCI A STAUNCH SUPPORTER’
“The BCCI has been a staunch supporter of the ICC’s efforts to include cricket as an Olympic sport. We are thrilled to witness this momentous occasion, which marks a significant milestone for the sport. Our active participation has been instrumental in promoting the case for cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics. This initiative aligns with the idea of India hosting the 2036 Olympics, as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister,” Jay Shah said in a staten.

“The Indian Cricket Team boasts an unparalleled global fanbase, and their participation in this prestigious quadrennial event will undoubtedly enhance the sport’s global stature. Our contributions were pivotal in securing cricket’s presence at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham and the Asian Games 2022 in Guangzhou, China.”

The BCCI secretary also spoke about the impact cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics will have on its stakeholders.

“The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is set to open new frontiers for the sport, providing unparalleled exposure in untapped global markets. Moreover, we anticipate that this decision will yield significant financial dividends and have a profound positive impact on our sport’s eco-system. It will fuel infrastructural development, intensify competition, foster youth development, and create opportunities for officials, volunteers, and skilled professionals.”

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signaled India’s intentions to host the Olympics in 2036 during his address at the IOC session’s opening ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday, saying it’s the dream of 1.3 billion Indians to bring the Games to the country.