Cricket has not been a part of the Olympics since 1900. However, the ICC is pushing for its inclusion during LA Olympics 2028. Also, it is looking to make a bid of $3 million for its inclusion.
Cricket is among the top five most popular sports in the world. However, despite its popularity, it has not tasted regular success in the Olympics. The 1900 Paris Olympics happens to be the first and only edition where the sport featured. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is pushing hard for its inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics, and here's how its planning.
As per ESPNCricinfo, the ICC plans to make a bid of $3 million, including lobbying and PR blitz, to determine the sport's fate in the tournament. It wasn't included in the initial list of 28 sports for the event. However, there is nothing to panic about, as the Los Angeles 2028 Local Organising Committee has proposed the inclusion of additional sports.
ICC's intention of getting the sport included in the Olympics has been made public for some time now. However, sources have expressed displeasure, as the internal political upheaval has affected the bid. "It took time to get the ball rolling. There hasn't been enough work done yet. There have been too many sideshows within the ICC," an ICC official informed ESPNCricinfo.
As per the official, cricket needs uplifting in terms of its popularity to make it marketable for the Olympics. As ICC plans on the same with the bid, renowned former and current cricketers will be involved in the marketing blitz. "The worry is that we need to lift our game to be considered for 2023. Things need to happen now," the official concluded.