Big guns lobby for cricket in Olympics
SOMEWHERE in Australia there are schoolchildren unaware they could be on a 12year journey to the Gabba for one of the most cherished prizes in sport … an Olympic gold medal.
As Brisbane fine tunes its bid to host the 2032 Games, Queensland Olympic Council president Natalie Cook (pictured) believes it’s time to turbocharge the push to bring cricket back to the Games.
The International Cricket Council, with former English cricket captain Mike Gatting lobbying strongly, has pushed for cricket to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but with India cautious about committing to anything that would threaten their world-dominating Indian Premier League, the fight is ongoing.
Each host nation is allowed to suggest new sports and Tokyo next year will see karate, sport climbing, surfing and skateboarding make their Olympic debuts, as well as the return of baseball and softball.
“Cricket is becoming more appealing all the time because the shorter T20 game is really suited to the Games,” Cook said.
“It is so consumer friendly, if it does not get in, in 2028, we should have a crack at it.”
“I know it has taken cricket to a lot of different places in the world and the big thing is you could have it in both men’s and women’s competitions, and that equality is a major factor in the Olympics today. This is a great opportunity to get cricket on the Olympic map.’’
In a little known fact, cricket has featured at an Olympics – in 1900, when Great Britain beat France in the decider. The push to see its return could also engage Indian interest in the Games for IOC officials have lamented the disconnect of the nation, which has almost one-fifth of the world’s population, but has won just nine gold medals and one in the past three decades. The IOC is excited by the prospect of having cricket at the Games because the instant it is approved, there will be nations spending money on cricket programs.
IT IS SO CONSUMER FRIENDLY, IF IT DOES NOT GET IN, IN 2028, WE SHOULD HAVE A CRACK AT IT
Cook believes the one-year delay in the Tokyo Games is not a setback to Brisbane’s Games bid because it buys time to polish the product before the 2032 host is chosen.
“It can restore hopes and dreams to Queenslanders and Australia,’’ she said.
“Ninety five per cent of athletes saying their inspiration came from watching Sydney 2000. We need that again. That is the excitement of 2032. We need kids watching in Tokyo who can take us to 2032, and the kids in 2032 can take us beyond that. It is not just a 10-year plan. It is a 30-year legacy.’’
NATALIE COOK