ICC elated over IOC's decision to recognise cricket

DUBAI: Elated over cricket's inclusion in the Olympic Movement after a gap of more than 100 years, the ICC on Tuesday said the IOC's decision to recognise the sport would enhance its popularity all across the world.

"The Indian Olympic Committee's decision to recognize 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," the ICC said in a statement.

ICC President Ray Mali said the recognition will help cricket reach out to previously unexplored territories.

"This is great news for cricket. 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 Mali.