BCCI and ECB don't want cricket at the Olympics, says Olympic Council of Asia Secretary General

The South African Cricket team with their Gold medal in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Kuala Lumpur

The Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Asia – Raja Randhir Singh has mentioned that cricket is losing an opportunity to showcase their sport on a “global stage”.

"If cricket was on the Olympic programme it would give a great boost, it would not be restricted to the few countries where it's played and it would come on a global stage where all the greats of the world of sport are playing," he said referring to the reluctance of BCCI to participate in international competitions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) didn’t even consider sending a second string side for the 2010 Asian Games held at Guangzhou. India lost out on a chance of winning a medal in both men’s and women’s category. Singh mentioned that he was "very disappointed" with BCCI’s stubbornness and expressed hope that Indian cricket will be represented in the next Asian Games scheduled for Incheon, South Korea.

"They should send a team and I hope they do so. Even China is putting up teams and other countries in Asia are following suit. Why not cricket, the sport needs to be expanded,” stated Singh, who is the only Indian to be part of the Asian Olympic Council.

Despite "trying very hard," Singh said BCCI ruled out the possibility of adding Twenty20 cricket in the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on the other hand demand US$160 million as a compensation for its early season loss if they were to participate in the Olympics.

"It's a question of 15 days, how does it make a difference? Every international sport fixes their calendar around the Olympics and they aren't something that's shifted around. I think cricket can work its calendar around that," Singh shot back.

Many top international cricketers have voiced their opinion in favour of adding cricket as an Olympic sport. It can be recalled that Adam Gilchrist spoke about the same in his MCC Spirit of Cricket lecture back in 2009.

"The bid for cricket's inclusion and subsequent Olympic participation should sit at the heart of the ICC's global game development strategy,” said Gilchrist.

“If cricket became an Olympic sport, many countries would be playing cricket seriously for the first time in their history. By seriously, I mean that they would have to start developing a truly integrated cricket program as part of their participation in the Olympics," claimed the legendary Australian wicket-keeper stressing on the advantages of participating in global events.

The BCCI’s fear of losing its individual powers when a cricket team represents the nation in international meets is what is said to be the reason behind their reluctance. And the members might also feel that their positions might come under scanner in case of disappointing results.

Steve Waugh, the former Australian captain has always been a strong voice supporting cricket’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.

"If you want to globalise the game then you have to look at including countries like China and the United States, and getting cricket into the Olympics will fast-track that move,” mentioned Waugh who was the mentor of the Australian Olympic contingent at Beijing Olympics, 2008.

Waugh had captained Australian Cricket team in the 1998 Commonwealth Games held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where his team lost to South Africa to settle for a Silver medal. The Australian went on to pronounce it as the "time of his life" and he was further quoted as saying "winning the silver medal was one of the highlights of my career." Shaun Pollock and Jacques Kallis were also part of the Protean side that won Gold in the 50 over tournament.

The Carribean nations participated at the event each as an individual nation – not as West Indies. India sent a weaker side to get knocked out at the group stage, courtesy, a washed out-game against Antigua and Barbuda and a big loss against Australia. Singh recollects the event as a "well received" one as he witnessed it in the Malaysian city.

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, India’s Sourav Ganguly and New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming are some of the many renowned cricketers who were in favour of the motive. The discussions are in progress with reference to the report "on the benefits and drawbacks of cricket's potential involvement in the Olympics" submitted at last year’s annual conference in London. There are also thoughts of following a similar structure in line with football that allows only 3 players above the age of 23 to be part of a side.

"It depends on the interest of the national federation or the international federation concerned if they want to be part of the Olympic programme," concluded Singh.