Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson was on board.
“As a global sport and Australia’s national summer game,it makes sense for cricket to be in consideration to be part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“We’ve recently seen the success of having T20 women’s cricket at the Commonwealth Games,so we know we have a format,talent pool and a global audience who would love to see cricket played in the Olympics.”
Former Test and Queensland bowler Michael Kasprowicz said Olympic inclusion would be a game-changer.
“As soon as cricket becomes an Olympic sport,there’s a lot more funding available in every country around the world,” he said.
Former Test bowler Michael Kasprowicz would welcome cricket’s Olympic inclusion in 2032.Credit:Paul Harris
“What that means is the game of cricket can thrive,because you got markets in all those countries that will have a lot more resources to grow the game.”
While Kasprowicz was proud to represent Australia when one-day cricket was included at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games,he said the chance to be an Olympian would have been next level.
“Every kid growing up watches the Olympics and you’d love to be an Olympian,” he said.
Hanway said cricket’s inclusion would require extreme flexibility from organisers,given the Gabba had already been put forward as the Games’ track and field venue.
“There’s a call for different types of venues and different types of construction that would be necessary[for cricket’s inclusion],” he said.
Svenson said the Gabba’s unavailability would not be an impediment to cricket’s inclusion in the Brisbane Games,which will be held between July and August in 2032.
“We live in one of the few locations around the world where cricket can be played in winter,so we really have the perfect opportunity to have our game feature in the biggest event on the planet,” he said.
“... Queensland still has multiple stadiums that have hosted men’s and women’s internationals,Big Bash League,and other elite games in the past few years,including the Gold Coast,Townsville,Cairns,Mackay,and Allan Border Field here in Brisbane that could all be considered possible venues.”
A State Development,Infrastructure,Local Government and Planning Department spokeswoman said:“Queensland is fortunate to have many existing venues that could be suitable to host major events and sports,such as cricket.
“If there is a change to Olympic and Paralympic events for Brisbane 2032,we will work closely with the Australian government and the Organising Committee to respond accordingly.”