Cricket back on the olympic agenda
ICC statement following its acceptance as a federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee. The International Cricket Council has welcomed the decision by the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board to return cricket into the Olympic Movement after a gap of more than 100 years.
The IOC's decision to recognise the ICC and cricket for the first time since the sport featured in the 1900 Paris Olympiad will lead to closer collaboration between the ICC and IOC for the good of sport. It is also expected to enhance cricket's profile in territories where it is a developing sport.
"This is great news for cricket," said ICC President Ray Mali. "The Olympic Movement is instantly recognisable around the world and for cricket to be a part of that again has to be a good thing.
"The ICC and IOC share similar values, such as a spirit of fair play in a competitive but ultimately friendly environment. Cricket - like all sports - should be played hard but fair and I think the special atmosphere that surrounds the Olympic Games demonstrates all that is good about sport," said Mr Mali.
Mr Mali who, along with ICC Directors David Morgan and HRH Tunku Imran, met with IOC President Jacques Rogge in Lausanne in October this year added that IOC recognition had been part of the ICC's current Strategic Plan.
He said: "Our goal has been to become an international federation that is recognised by the IOC and we are pleased to have achieved this target. We want to play an active role in the Olympic Movement and we will be looking at ways in which we can work with the IOC for the benefit of cricket, sport and society in general.
"Cricket last featured in the Olympic Games in 1900. Maybe one day it will be right for cricket to return to the Olympic programme," he added.
As well as approving the ICC's application for IOC recognition at its meeting in Lausanne, the IOC Executive Board will also receive a presentation from Lord Condon, the Chairman of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, on issues relating to betting in sport.
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