The Olympic Games is the greatest occasion in the world of sport. It has had an impact on the careers of many legends and sport itself in such an incredible fashion that it is very tough to put it down in words.

The Olympic movement has involved many sports. In the London Games, to be held in 2012, 26 sports are gong to be played. Amongst these there is a possible place for a demonstration sport whose winner would not be an official winner but would eventually lead the sport to be inducted into the Games if it garners enough supporters in the Olympic Council and from sports lovers in general.

If given an opportunity, I believe cricket in its Twenty20 format must be included as a demonstration sport for the London Olympics.

‘If cricket is included in the Olympic programme, then the sport can be spread to every corner of the world, thus widening its support base’


Why do I say so? Firstly, London - I mean England here - has the perfect infrastructure to host cricket. It has some world-class stadiums and pitches which can display the sport in the best light possible.

Secondly, Twenty20 cricket has enough sportsmanship, excitement, glamour and glitz - as well as an army of supporters - to give it an extra push to become an Olympic sport.

The new Twenty20 format is short, exciting and less time-consuming than any other format of the sport. It could feature around 15 teams and the tournament could easily be completed within the span of the Olympic month.

The ICC, along with its many national associations - namely Cricket Australia and the BCCI - can make a good case for the sport to be included in the Olympics. I believe there are many countries that could send teams to the Olympics for Twenty20, and also some countries that would have the incentive to develop teams.

India, Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Namibia, Kenya, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Scotland are the probable teams that could take part in the tournament.

Following such events, more money can be pumped into countries where there is a possibility of producing cricket players and teams for international competition and the Olympics.

What needs to be understood is that if cricket is included in the Olympic programme, then the sport can be spread to every corner of the world, thus widening its support base. With the support of the Olympics, a lot of sports have gained international recognition and gone on to have representation from around the world. Why not cricket?

It has a strong case but, ultimately, it is down to the people leading the sport to take a decision regarding this issue. The current situation and structure of the sport is perfect for its inclusion.

With regard to the ideals of the Olympics, cricket upholds them perfectly - and provides serious sporting entertainment along with it. The passion that comes with this sport is something only football fans can identify with and it is ideal for inclusion in the Olympics.