Why isn't cricket an olympic sport?

Question

It's fun and fast. It allows more countries to get involved and win medals when they normally wouldn't (African countries especially). They could play 20/20 matches. I love cricket and would be thrilled to see them at the next Olympics in London

Answer 1

Because it is not a global sport! In reality, there is 2 countries dominating it (India/Aust) and so it's not global. The Olympics are a pinnacle of global sport, and unfortunately, cricket isn;t global. For example, baseball is being dropped from the Oylmpics becuase only Canada and US play it.

Second, would it actually get the numbers. Would people go to see Kenya vs. Australia?

Answer 2

Cricket is not watched and enjoyed at all places. It is not global like football (Soccer). But since there are more than 100 affiliate countries in the International Cricket Council and with the emergence of T20 Cricket, it will soon be in the Olympic Sports List.

I hope for a medal for India in this sport, at least.

Answer 3

dont know.. it should be there

Answer 4

I'd imagine it has to do with length of matches.  Remember, 20/20 was just invented a few years ago (or came into prominence) and the process to get it included into the Olympics can take a long time anyway.  Up to this point, traditional test matches have been proposed.  It is the same as with Rugby Union, where regular Rugby had no shot, but now Rugby 7's looks likely to be included withing the next 12 years.    

Answer 5

It's a good idea! It could be a demonstration sport! I think cricket is not in it because of two reasons. One, test cricket and one day cricket are too long to be Olympic team sports. T20 might change that perception. Also, it's all about money. There are some ridiculous sports in the olympics, like Rythmic Gymanstics and BMX. They are not as global or heavily followed or as exciting as cricket, but they are played in rich European and American countries, so they can weasel themselves into the program. But times are changing. Cricket has moved side by side with golf and rugby when it comes to finding the next olympics replacement for baseball/ softball, and considering that the sport's popularity is growing everyday ( I myself am from Argentina), it should have the strongest case to be a regular sport by perhaps 2020 or 2024.

Answer 6

Cricket has had the 2nd biggest global following (after soccer). Not being in the Olympics affects its profile in the non-cricket world and could ultimately cost it dearlyy. The cricket world has to come out of its shell and get cricket into the 2012 Olympics as Cricket2012games.com is petitioning for. All host nations get to include their sport,if England does not have cricket it will be a big shame.  

Answer 7

i think i should its fast and exiting and more people will start taking intrst in it and then it will be reconised around the world

Answer 8

Bcz it's hurt on heart.

Answer 9

coz itz 2 borin n also it iznt a global sport

Answer 10

Understandably the formats of this game weren't helping it to be highlighted in Olympics but now with the introduction of T20, there's a possibility that Cricket can feature in Olympics in future & this topic is being negotiated between the management associations & the possibilities are indicating that sooner or later it WILL be included in the biggest sports event.

Answer 11

u r absolutely right, but 20/20 has just invented, so there was no chance of it to be in beijing. but i hope it to be introduced in london2012.

PS- rather than african countries, its india that would get a chance to have a gold/silver/bronze., coz they are a sorry state in olympics.

Answer 12

I would say if basket ball is included in the olympics then why not cricket?  

Answer 13

Yes I agree with you.

In fact many cricketers themselves agree with this proposition of making cricket enter the Olympics with the T20 format.

It is a highly entertaining game and it is definitely growing. Also, with the emerging and ever growing format of T20, many countries could start adopting this exciting game.

There is no shortage of cricket lovers the world over. So, let's see if cricket can enter the Olympics!!!

Answer 14

Well all the good English games like Football, Cricket and Rugby used to be in the Olympics back in the early days.  Only Football remains now.  It would be great to see them return again along with Golf.

Answer 15

it should be

Answer 16

It will require about 15 days or at least 10 days.

If held concurrently with other sports viewership of other sports likely to suffer.