The Asian Games in China will have a prominent
representation from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Throughout the
first weekend of competition, while the women’s competition is taking place,
CEO Geoff Allardice will be in Hangzhou. Cricket is not being played by Chinese
teams, but Hangzhou is hosting the sport in both parts for the first time ever.
The Asian Games coincide well with the ICC’s attempt
to qualify for the Olympics. The ICC’s newest strategy is multi-sport events,
and the expected success of cricket in Hangzhou can only increase the ICC’s
chances of being included in the Olympics. Cricket’s inclusion in the Los
Angeles Games is soon to be announced by the International Olympic Committee
(IOC).
During his stay in China, Allardice will meet with the
Asian members of the ICC. However, it can be said with a degree of certainty
that the ICC does not currently have immediate plans to aggressively pursue
cricket in China, despite it being the second most populous country in the
world.
“At this moment, it is not identified as a growth
market for cricket. However, this may change once cricket becomes an Olympic
sport. Then the focus on China will automatically shift,” says a source in
the know.
The women’s cricket competition in the Games began on
September 19. The gold medal match in the women’s section is scheduled for
September 25. The men’s competition will run from September 23 to October 7.