Ricky Ponting on cricket at the Olympics – ‘Opens up a completely different audience to our game’

“It would be a good thing for our sport. I’ve sat on different committees over the last 15 or 20 years, and it’s always been at the top of almost every agenda – how do we get the sport back to the Olympics? And finally, there is,” Ponting said. ICC review. “It’s only four years away. I think it gives cricket a chance to get into the grassroots in the US.”

Cricket returns to the Games after 128 years, the only time it was seen before was in 1900, with two teams – Great Britain and France – taking part, and winning gold.

“The thing about the Olympic Games, isn’t it [about] ruling nation. It opens up an audience,” said Ponting. “The Olympic Games, which is watched by so many people around the world, just opens up a completely different audience to our sport that seems to be growing every day anyway. It would be a really good thing in this game. “

“So those are all things to think about, [but] I’m very excited about where the game is headed and the growth of the different markets we’re seeing emerging.”

Cricket at LA28 will be played in T20 format, and both men’s and women’s teams will be played.

Edited PTI copy.