Smith calls for T20 in Olympics

2008-08-06 16:16

London - South Africa captain Graeme Smith has become the latest leading cricketer to say he was in favour of Twenty20 cricket becoming an Olympic sport.

Opening batsman Smith, asked his view at a press conference ahead of the fourth Test against England at the Oval, backed the call of former Australian star Adam Gilchrist for the 20-overs game to be part of the Games from 2020.

"From a player's perspective it would obviously be a fantastic thing to be part of an Olympic Games," said Smith. "We've always just watched from the side and seen how special the event is.

"Twenty20 offers the opportunity (for cricket) to become an Olympic event. It's not only going to grow the game around the world but it will be nice for us as players to be part of a special event."

Smith's comments followed those of Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who said: "I myself would like to play cricket in the Olympics and join the mega event of the sports world."

Sri Lanka star Kumar Sangakkara was equally enthusiastic. "The Olympic Games would provide the perfect platform to showcase the game to a larger audience, drawing in new fans and helping drive cricket development in emerging cricket countries," he said.

"From a player's perspective, the privilege of competing at an Olympics would undoubtedly be a highlight of your career."

Other players who have publicly supported Gilchrist's stance include former international captains Stephen Waugh (Australia), Stephen Fleming (New Zealand) and India's Sourav Ganguly.

Cricket was part of the Olympics just once, in 1900, but last year it was recognised as an Olympic sport -- the first step towards full admission to the Games.

- AFP