Twenty20's push to be part of the 2020 Olympics has received a major fillip with news that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has voted to have the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved. However, while cricket - along with power boating sport climbing - can now bid to join the 2020 games the ICC currently has no imminent plans to have the format included.
"They are recognised federations by us, which now means that they can take part in IOC events," IOC director of communications Mark Adams said after the meeting held ahead of the Winter Olympics.
"It could be seen as a first step towards becoming Olympic sports," he added.
After Friday's IOC decision, cricket -- most likely its Twenty20 version, can now bid to join the 2020 Olympic Games though ICC has not made it clear which format it will push for.
Cricket was granted the status of a recognised Olympic sport in 2007, for sports not in the Olympic programme but which conform to certain criteria, pending a decision for a permanent slot in the Games.
Former players including Adam Gilchrist, Steve Waugh, Stephen Fleming, Kumar Sangakkara, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have called for Twenty20's inclusion in the Olympics.
Cricket was part of the 1900 Olympics in Paris and has not appeared since then. The game was part of the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and its Twenty20 version is set to feature at this year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
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