By Mohamed Bahaa
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has shown hope for the game’s Olympic return following a 128-year break. Respected member of the cricket community Ponting thinks this action will greatly increase the popularity and visibility of the game, especially in areas where it now has little impact.
Ponting underlined in an interview on The ICC Review the possibilities for cricket to appeal to fresh audiences all around in relation to the Olympic comeback. “It can only be a positive thing for our game.” he said. Ponting further clarified that there has been a continuous attempt to bring cricket back to the Olympic Games spanning more than twenty years. Now, with the 2028 event just ahead, he views this as a perfect chance for cricket to become more grassroots, particularly in the US.
Ponting further underlined the worldwide influence of the Olympic Games since they cross national boundaries and attract a large, heterogeneous audience. “The thing about the Olympic Games, it’s not [about] the host nation. It’s about the audience that it opens up,” seen by millions worldwide, the Olympics might introduce cricket to whole new audiences, therefore hastening the expansion of the game, he added.
Expanding cricket’s presence in the United States—a market that has proved difficult despite the nation co-hosting the T20 World Cup in 2024—has become a top goal for the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC has, however, come under fire for scheduling events on inadequate pitches in the United States, highlighting the difficulties of developing the game in a country where it is still quite unknown.
With cricket set to be included in the 2028 Olympics, there is optimism that this esteemed venue will drive the game into hitherto unexplored areas and increase a more varied fan base. Ponting’s hope captures a general feeling among the cricket fraternity that this historic comeback could signal the start of a new chapter for the game internationally.
Stakeholders all throughout the cricketing globe are acutely aware of the opportunities and difficulties ahead as the countdown to the 2028 Olympics starts. Including cricket in such a worldwide celebration is intended to not only raise the profile of the game but also inspire a new generation of players and supporters. Cricket has the power to confirm its place as a really worldwide sport by using this Olympic attention and unifying many nations. Ponting and others in the cricketing world still hope that this historic event will open the path for ongoing innovation and expansion in the game, therefore guaranteeing its relevance and appeal for years to come.
