Gilchrist asks for T20 Olympic bid by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

AC Gilchrist

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DateLine: 25th June 2009

 

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has asked cricket's top brass to work towards fast-tracking Twenty20 as an Olympic sport.

 

Gilchrist is convinced that Twenty20 can continue to breathe new life into the sport. He also said the success associated with T20 cricket will provide an unprecedented opportunity for the International Cricket Council to broaden their boundaries.

 

Gilchrist, who retired from international cricket early last year, has long been advocating the cause of taking Twenty20 to Olympics.

 

The left-hander though raised his voice further on Wednesday when he made the issue the central thrust of his lecture to an audience of cricket's great and good.

 

"We must actively pursue Twenty20's inclusion as an Olympic sport," he said. "It is a great challenge, but what a great and worthwhile challenge.

 

"It would be difficult to see a better or more effective way to spread the game throughout the world."

 

Gilchrist said that he believes that both the IOC, as well as cricket, will only benefit because of the huge potential for new Olympic interest and participation this sport can generate in the Indian sub-continent - traditionally a largely fallow ground for aspirant medalists.

 

"What better way for the IOC to spread the Olympic brand and ideals than on the back of Twenty20 cricket?" he asked.

 

"If it became an Olympic sport, many countries would be playing cricket for the first time in their history.

 

"It should sit at the heart of the ICC's global strategy. In my opinion, every cricket administrator should promote Olympic ambition for our sport."