ICC Chairman Jay Shah Meets IOC Chief Thomas Bach Ahead Of Extraordinary Session

International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah has held discussions with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach ahead of the Extraordinary IOC Session in Lausanne from January 30, as the sport's inclusion at the Summer Games beyond the 2028 edition continues to gather pace. The ICC posted images from the meeting of the two leading administrators on social media on Tuesday. "Momentum continues to build around cricket's inclusion as an @Olympics sport at the @LA2028 Games and beyond, with ICC Chair Mr. JayShah meeting International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Mr. Thomas Bach in Lausanne, Switzerland this week," the ICC posted on X. Shah attended a seminar involving LA 2028 International Federations at the Olympic House here. He was joined by ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice with the "meeting focusing on key areas of collaboration between the ICC and the IOC in the build-up to the Los Angeles Games".

“This was the first time Mr Shah was meeting with Mr Bach and they explored potential avenues for collaboration in promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect within the cricketing world,” the ICC said in a statement.

“It is an exciting time for cricket with tremendous opportunity to engage with existing and new fans ahead of the LA 2028 Games, paving the way for potential future collaborations with the Olympic movement that will benefit athletes, fans, and the global sporting community,” it added.

Shah said the meeting was an important milestone ahead of cricket's return to the Olympics after 128 years.

"...It was a productive meeting and an important milestone on the road to LA 2028. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic Games represents a watershed moment for our