The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include cricket in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2030. This move aligns with the Indian government’s bid to host the 2030 YOG in Mumbai.
In an email exchange, Vivek Gopalan, a sports enthusiast, proposed the idea to William Glenwright, ICC’s General Manager of Development. Glenwright responded positively, acknowledging the potential of cricket’s inclusion in the YOG. The correspondence included key ICC stakeholders, ensuring their awareness of the initiative.
Gopalan emphasized the strong case for cricket’s inclusion, citing the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public declaration of India’s desire to host both the 2030 YOG and 2036 Olympics. Modi had previously mentioned the YOG during his speech at the IOC session in Mumbai in 2023.
The email highlighted the potential impact of cricket’s inclusion on grassroots development, particularly among ICC Associate countries. The YOG, which caters to athletes aged 15 to 18, could provide a global platform for young cricketers to showcase their skills.
The email also noted the IOC’s recognition of cricket’s brand value and its potential to enhance the Olympic brand. This recognition could facilitate the inclusion of cricket as a core sport in the YOG.
Cricket’s return to the Olympic Games is already confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking its first appearance since 1900. The ICC’s willingness to work with the IOC on the YOG further underscores the growing recognition of cricket’s global appeal and its potential to inspire young athletes.
