FIFA President Gianni Infantino Meets ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Eyes Collaboration to “Unite the World Through Sports”
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Milan, February 5:
FIFA President Gianni Infantino met ICC Chairman Jay Shah in Milan on Wednesday. The meeting created a major crossover moment between football and cricket, two of the most followed sports globally.
Infantino shared a photo with Jay Shah on Instagram. He praised Shah for his role in cricket’s growth and global expansion.
Infantino Praises Jay Shah for Cricket’s Growth
In his Instagram post, Infantino appreciated the work Jay Shah has done for cricket. He also wished him luck as cricket prepares for its return to the Olympic programme.
Cricket will return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“It was my pleasure to meet ICC Chairman Jay Shah today in Milan,” Infantino wrote.
FIFA President Looks Forward to Working Together
Infantino also expressed interest in future collaboration with Jay Shah.
Moreover, he said both sports bodies can work together to “unite the world through sports.”
“I also look forward to working together and collaborating as we unite the world through sports,” he added.
Cricket Set to Return to Olympics After 128 Years
Cricket will make a historic comeback at the Olympics in 2028. This will be only the second time cricket appears at the Olympic Games.
Cricket last featured in the Olympics in Paris 1900. At that time, Great Britain won the gold medal in a one-off match against France.
As a result, the 2028 return marks a major moment for the sport.
Qualification Process Yet to Be Finalised
The qualification format for LA28 is still not confirmed. However, the ICC may discuss it during its Annual Conference.
The ICC Annual Conference will begin in Singapore on July 17.
T20 Cricket to Feature in Men’s and Women’s Categories
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that cricket at LA28 will feature in the T20 format.
Both men’s and women’s tournaments will be held.
Additionally, the IOC announced that the T20 competitions will run from July 12 to July 29, 2028.
Cricket’s Global Expansion Continues
Cricket’s Olympic inclusion highlights the sport’s growing popularity.
Women’s cricket made its Commonwealth Games debut in 2022 at Birmingham. Meanwhile, both men’s and women’s cricket have been part of the Asian Games programme in 2010, 2014, and 2023.
Therefore, cricket’s return to the Olympics strengthens its position as a global sport.
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