Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that cricket’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in four years will be great for the sport.
“It’s a positive step for cricket. I’ve been part of various committees over the past 15 or 20 years, and getting cricket back into the Olympics has always been a top priority. Now it’s finally happening,” Ponting said on The ICC Review. “With the Olympics just four years away, this is also a chance for cricket to grow at the grassroots level in the US.”
Cricket is coming back to the Olympics after 128 years; the last time it was included was in 1900, with just two teams—Great Britain and France—competing, and Great Britain winning the gold.
Ricky Ponting added, “The Olympic Games aren’t just about the host nation. They bring in a global audience. With so many people around the world watching, cricket will reach new audiences, which is fantastic for a sport that’s already growing rapidly. This can only be a good thing.”
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He also mentioned that there are still things to work out, like infrastructure and how teams will qualify, but the sport is heading in the right direction. “Facilities and infrastructure are going to be crucial, as well as deciding how many teams will participate. They’re talking about six or seven teams, so qualifying for the Olympics will be tough.”
Despite these challenges, Ponting is excited about the future of cricket and its growth in new markets.
Cricket at LA28 will be played in the T20 format, with both men’s and women’s teams participating.
Earlier this year, cricket also gained attention in the USA when the country co-hosted the men’s T20 World Cup with the West Indies.