Cricket could feature in the 2022 Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, should the International Cricket Council (ICC) have its way.
Following the successful completion of the Women’s World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, the ICC has submitted a bid for women’s T20 cricket to be included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“We would like cricket to lead the way in the Commonwealth in inspiring more young girls to take up sport regardless of their background or culture,” ICC CEO David Richardson stated in an official statement.
“Creating a new partnership between women’s cricket and the Commonwealth Games demonstrates the commitment both organisations have to growing women’s sport and delivering greater equality, fairness and opportunity,” he continued.
Early next month, the ICC, in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), will make a presentation to an assessment panel in order about women’s cricket at the Birmingham Games. The Commonwealth Games Federation then have until September 2019 to ratify the decision.
The ICC has confirmed it has submitted a bid for the inclusion of T20 women’s cricket into the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022https://t.co/AfAgzZYOsV
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) November 26, 2018
Should women’s cricket be included, it will be the second time in Commonwealth Games history that the sport will be featured. Cricket was part of the 1998 Games held in Malaysia with South Africa winning the 50-over men’s competition.
Richardson believes Birmingham would be the perfect venue to reintroduce cricket to the Commonwealth Games.
“Birmingham is the perfect place to launch this partnership as the city shares cricket’s rich and diverse culture and heritage. Around 23 per cent of the city’s residents have links to cricket playing nations outside the UK. The deep connection between cricket and Birmingham will bring people together and inspire future generations of players and fans of women’s cricket,” he stated.
“If cricket were to be staged in these Games, we know every team competing would be guaranteed ‘home’ support. There’s a ready-made audience and ready-made infrastructure in the local vicinity,” the ICC CEO added.
