SportBusiness.com

Cricket looks to an Olympic future

The International Cricket Council earned "provisional recognition" from the International Olympic Committee, the first step on the road to possible inclusion in the Olympic programme.

Both cricket and sport climbing were awarded "provisional recognition" status for their work with youths.

The IOC process means cricket cannot participate in the Olympics before 2020, as its status will be reviewed after the 2012 Games in London. Twenty20 is likely to be the ideal format for any Olympic inclusion.

The Olympic programme is determined seven years ahead of every Games.