Sachin bats for cricket in Olympics

Last year during ICC’s meeting in Kolkata, CEO Dave Richardson, had indicated that cricket could be a reality in the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Sachin Tendulkar hopes for cricket's inclusion in the Olympics.

For the last few years, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been trying to introduce cricket in the Olympics.

Last year during ICC’s meeting in Kolkata, CEO Dave Richardson, had indicated that cricket could be a reality in the Los Angeles Games in 2028, and on Tuesday, former India captain Sachin Tendulkar batted for the inclusion of cricket at the Olympics.

“Being a cricketer, I will say that the game needs to be globalised, without any doubt,” Tendulkar said while unveiling a book on Olympian gymnast Dipa Karmakar.

The Master Blaster remembered his meeting with IOC chief Thomas Bach during the Rio Games in 2016. “I told him that I feel cricket should be included (in the Olympics). But also when cricket is included, one needs to give enough time for the rest of the teams to prepare.

"He (Bach) was under the impression, five days how can we (have it over the five days)? No, now there are number of versions, cricket is one of those few sports where there are multiple versions — One Day, T20, T10,” Tendulkar said.

“By the time they (IOC) introduce cricket in the Olympics, — it might be five overs or whatever. But I think, the game (cricket) should be there (in the Olympics), being a cricketer I would want that to happen. I am looking forward to it, without any doubt,” Tendulkar said.