Cricket's return to Olympics a significant milestone for the sport: BCCI secretary Jay Shah

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah on Monday described cricket’s return to the Olympics as a “significant milestone for the sport”.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday formally approved cricket’s return to the world’s biggest sporting event after more than a hundred years by including it in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics program. Cricket’s only appearance at the Games came in Paris 1900.

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“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.

“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,” Shah was quoted as saying in a release shared by the BCCI on Monday.

Read | ICC looking to be a permanent Olympic member: Greg Barclay

Shah helped in bringing cricket back into the Olympic fold through his role within the ICC Olympics Working Group.

Reacting to the latest developments, Shah also felt cricket’s appearance at ‘LA28’ would help open “new frontiers” for the ‘Gentleman’s Game’.

“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,” added Shah.