Future Inclusion of Cricket at Youth Olympics Discussed by Sport’s World Body

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed interest in a possible partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to introduce cricket at the Youth Olympics in 2030. This development comes following the Indian Government's declaration last year of its plans to bid for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games in Mumbai, in addition to its aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics. The incorporation of cricket at the Youth Olympics would represent a major achievement for the sport, enhancing its worldwide presence and popularity.

William Glenwright, ICC’s General Manager of Development, responded positively in an email to Vivek Gopalan, showing support for the potential inclusion of cricket in the 2030 Youth Olympics, Stating, “It’s a good idea and something we could look at.” Gopalan’s email and Glenwright’s reply were also copied to ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, Wasim Khan, Claire Furlong, and Chris Tetley.

Gopanal has contended that “There is a strong for cricket at Youth Olympic Games (YOG) with Mumbai bidding to host 2030 YOG.” He has 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.”

During his address at the IOC session in Mumbai last October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at India’s interest in hosting the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). However, the government’s focus has since shifted towards bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games—a priority the Prime Minister emphasized again during his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.

The email to the ICC official makes a strong case for including cricket in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), offering several key arguments. It states, “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.” The age limit for participants in the YOG is between 15 and 18.

The mail further notes, “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.”

Cricket has been included in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 for the first time since the 1900 Paris Games.

The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) feature a diverse range of disciplines, including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Futsal, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.