Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics was a much-debated subject. After much deliberation, the sport is back for Los Angeles 2028. While its currency in the Global South is the key reason for the IOC to back its inclusion, it is also true that cricket is one of the most-watched sports in the world thanks to the growing strength of the Indian and South Asian diaspora. As Jay Shah gets ready to take on the role of International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, how he deals with cricket’s relationship with the Olympics is expected to be a key feature of his tenure.
I had the opportunity to meet Shah at India House in Paris. He was there to promote cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics and also attended a number of other Indian events. While speaking to me, he was upbeat about cricket contributing to the Indian medal tally at LA ’28. Two things stood out in the conversation. First, Shah is keen on this global opportunity and was aware that it could be a gamechanger for cricket in terms of expanding its global reach and clientele.
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At the same time, as ICC boss, he will have to ensure that the Olympic gold medal doesn’t take precedence over a Cricket World Cup, for that could end up diluting the jewel in the ICC’s crown. FIFA’s relationship with the Olympic Games, for example, has always been uneasy. Never has FIFA allowed the Olympics to take control of the sport, and this will be something Shah will have to keep in mind. At the same time, with India wanting to bid for the 2036 Games, he will have to manage the balancing act well.
For his own legacy, this could be key. Will he push for cricket’s inclusion in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2030? If India decides to host the YOG, how will that impact the fortunes of the sport? A gold medal around Shubman Gill’s neck at LA 2028 could be a gamechanger for India’s Olympic campaign. Not only will it add to the brand value of the sport, it will also add to the currency of the Olympics in India. As head of the ICC, Shah, it has to be said, would have presided over one of the key moments in the history of the sport. At the same time, this gold medal can’t ever be deemed more important than a cricket World Cup win. How Shah ensures that will be equally critical, and challenge him as an administrator.
In Paris, Shah was all for the inclusion of the sport in the Olympics. Without his nod, things wouldn’t have gone through either. But now, as the incoming head of global cricket, he will also have to look after the interests of his own sport while making a strong pitch to globalise it. To what extent he cedes autonomy could impact the fortunes of the sport around the world, and define his legacy as ICC chief.
It is an opportunity for Shah, to grow beyond being labelled the son of one of India’s most powerful ministers. He has already done some very good work for the BCCI, and this could be his chance to do something at a global level. No other ICC boss has grappled with the Olympics, and cricket’s integration into the world’s greatest sporting spectacle could radically change how the sport is looked at in many countries which aren’t yet part of the cricket landscape. How Shah engages with the Olympic challenge is something I would be very keen to observe.
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