BCCI a hurdle in the inclusion of cricket in Olympics?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is not keen on backing the International Cricket Council's bid of including cricket in the Olympics. ICC is pushing to include the T20 variant of the game in the 2024 Olympics. According to the rules of International Olympic Committee, ICC needs to have the approval from all the cricket boards for the bid to be considered.
Was cricket ever an Olympic sport?
Cricket was played only once during the 1900 Olympics. Only one match was played in the tournament, with the team representing Great Britain winning against the host country France. The teams which competed were from the local clubs.
Autonomy to be curbed?
If cricket becomes a regular sport in the Olympics, the BCCI will have to work under the Indian Olympic Association, thus compromising the autonomy of the board. The Indian cricket board has acted independently over the years and it is a big concern for the board to work under the supervision of some other association.
BCCI miffed with ICC over revenue model
Reportedly, BCCI is still miffed with the ICC on how the revenue sharing issue was handled and BCCI receiving a poor deal this time. A senior board member of BCCI said, "The BCCI has been treated very shabbily by the ICC in recent times. Now if they come to us for their own benefits, why would we comply?"
BCCI looking for financial gains
While the BCCI has not ruled out the idea, the Indian board is looking for more clarity on how much will the board gain monetarily if they participate in the Olympics. The amount will be compared against the money the BCCI makes when the Indian team plays a bi-lateral series against any other full member of the ICC.
Bidding to take place in September
BCCI will have to take a call on the issue before IOC announces the hosts of the 2024 and 2028 Olympics in September. Once the host countries are announced, they have the liberty to propose any additional sport to be played during the event.
